Arizona’s Republican voters have selected Kari Lake as their nominee for the U.S. Senate in what is anticipated to be a pivotal race that could influence the chamber’s control this fall. Lake, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, captured approximately 54% of the GOP primary vote, far exceeding her nearest competitor, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who garnered around 40% of the votes. Additional ballots are still being counted, which may affect these results.
During her victory speech at an election night rally in Phoenix, Lake expressed urgency, stating that Arizonans have less than three and a half months to save the country alongside Trump. “He needs backup in Washington, D.C.,” she declared, emphasizing her commitment to support him in Congress.
Lake’s path forward will require her to face Democratic Congressman Ruben Gallego, who ran unopposed for his party’s nomination for the Senate seat currently held by retiring Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
Lake’s rise to prominence follows her unsuccessful campaign for Arizona’s governorship in 2022, where she continues to challenge the results of her defeat against Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. Her history of election denialism has garnered support from Trump, who endorsed her candidacy upon her entry into the Senate race last fall. However, some Arizona Republicans express concern that her past controversies could hinder her chances against Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran, who has consistently led in polls.
The issue of abortion has also emerged as a contentious topic in the race. Lake’s fluctuating stance on the matter is under scrutiny, especially as Arizona faces a significant ballot measure aiming to protect abortion rights within the state constitution. Gallego, a supporter of the abortion rights measure, has voiced his intent to abolish the Senate filibuster to protect Roe v. Wade.
“From now until November, I welcome all Arizonans — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike — to join our team and help defeat Kari Lake and her dangerous plan to ban abortion and hurt Arizonans,” Gallego stated following Lake’s primary victory.
In her victory remarks, Lake adopted a unifying tone, inviting “Trump Republicans” and “traditional Republicans” to rally behind her. She also extended an olive branch to conservatives, independents, Libertarians, and even “disaffected Democrats,” declaring, “Who is ready to save this country? This is an all-hands-on-deck moment.”
As a critical swing state in presidential elections, Arizona has garnered considerable attention in both primary and general races. The state played a crucial role in President Biden’s 2020 victory and saw Democrats dominate key statewide contests in 2022. Currently, Republicans hold a registration advantage of nearly 260,000 voters, fueling hopes of regaining ground in the upcoming Senate race.
