Republican Kari Lake easily cruised to victory in the Arizona Senate GOP primary, according to a projection from Decision Desk headquarters, setting off a landmark showdown between her and Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego.
Lake was widely seen as the presumptive GOP nominee in the Republican race to replace Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), as his only real candidate was Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb. Gallego ran uncontested in the Democratic race.
Lake ran for Governor of Arizona in 2022 and narrowly lost to Governor Katie Hobbs (D).
“Congratulations to Kari Lake on her victory in tonight’s primary,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines. “Arizonans must unite to defeat Ruben Gallego, one of the most radical Democrats in the country. Ruben Gallego will work with Kamala Harris to abolish ICE, defund the police, and approve more reckless spending that will drive up prices. Kari Lake will work with President Trump to secure the border, control crime and lower prices.”
Following her primary victory on Tuesday night, Gallego released a statement attacking Lake over reproductive rights.
“In the 554 days since we launched this campaign, Arizonans in every corner of the state have made it clear they want a U.S. Senator who can unite people to defend abortion rights, cut costs for families, protect our future water and take care of our veterans – and that’s exactly what I intend to do,” said Gallego.
“From now until November, I welcome all Arizonans – Democrats, Republicans and Independents – to join our team and help defeat Kari Lake and her dangerous plan to ban abortion and harm Arizonans.”
Lake, also a former local news anchor, has repeatedly refuted the election defeat, despite several legal challenges being launched. The conservative firebrand has sought to woo the skeptics and moderate Republicans she isolated last cycle, with limited success.
Gallego, meanwhile, sought to avoid his progressive bona fides, including expiring his membership in the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
A set of Arizona Senate polls compiled by Decision Desk headquarters shows Gallego leading Lake 47% to 43%.
The nonpartisan election pollster Cook Political Report classifies Sinema’s seat as “lean Arizona.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
