Kari Lake is poised to secure the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, setting the stage for a heated showdown with Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego in a race that could be pivotal in determining Senate control. The primary in Maricopa County, home to metro Phoenix and majority of Arizona’s voters, will also see Republicans choosing between incumbents who have refuted former President Donald Trump’s claims of a rigged 2020 election and challengers alleging election fraud.
The primary will offer insights into the direction of the closely divided state as the 2024 election approaches, where Arizona will play a crucial role in the battle for the White House and Congress. Gallego is running uncontested in the Democratic primary for Senate. Former President Trump voiced his support for Kari Lake in a rally, urging his supporters to vote for her, emphasizing her capabilities.
Lake, known for her association with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, emerged as a leading figure on the right after stepping down from her news anchor position at the Phoenix Fox affiliate. She faces Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in the GOP primary, with Lake having a significant fundraising advantage. The winner will compete against Gallego to replace Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who switched from Democrat to independent due to a decline in her support among Democrats.
Lake’s political journey began after leaving her news anchor role, quickly gaining popularity among grassroots Republicans for her outspoken criticism of the media, strong stance on border security, and unwavering loyalty to Trump. Despite attempts to moderate some of her more controversial views, Lake has faced challenges in consistently doing so. The primary will also give voters in Maricopa County the opportunity to support or oust elected officials who did not align with false claims regarding election integrity.
In addition to the Senate race, Republicans in Maricopa County have an array of candidates vying to succeed retiring GOP Rep. Debbie Lesko. On the Democratic side, there are heated U.S. House primaries taking place in the Phoenix area. The contests in the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts are particularly competitive, with winners advancing to face off against Republican Rep. David Schweikert and to likely replace Gallego, respectively.
