Arizona’s political scene could be in for another shake-up if Kari Lake, former GOP gubernatorial candidate and a steadfast supporter of President Donald Trump, decides to throw her hat into the ring for the U.S. Senate. Lake, who narrowly lost the Arizona gubernatorial election last year, announced that she’s “seriously contemplating running for Senate” and will decide by the end of the year.
The stakes are high, not only for Arizona but also for the broader Republican Party. Lake’s potential Senate run adds to the high-profile list of candidates who could run on a conservative platform after the 2022 midterm elections. With polling showing Trump maintaining a seemingly insurmountable lead for the GOP presidential nomination, a Lake candidacy could further solidify the Republican base in a key state.
.@KariLake considers a possible 2024 Arizona Senate bid: "I'm giving it some thought; I might run for U.S. Senate, I'll make up my mind here in the next few months." @KatrinaSzish @BobSellersTV pic.twitter.com/I7LxdnqYMz
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) August 25, 2023
Lake’s conservative credentials are solid. During an appearance on NewsNation, she asserted, “I’ll do anything I can to help Trump get reelected.” That dedication is echoed in her public posts. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Lake stated, “Republicans will unite around our nominee, President Donald J. Trump, and together, we will put an END to Bidenomics.”
The Senate race in Arizona will be an uphill battle. Lake faces potential competitors on both sides of the aisle. If she runs, Lake would likely challenge Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) if the independent and former Democrat chooses to run for re-election. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is expected to be the Democratic nominee. At the same time, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has announced a run on the Republican side. Lake emphasized Arizona’s need for a senator “who will put the people of Arizona first, who will put America first,” signaling her interest in crucial conservative issues like securing the U.S. southern border and parental rights.
During recent media appearances, Lake dodged questions regarding any potential role as Trump’s vice-presidential pick. When pressed, she reiterated her broader goal: “I’m really wishing to get our country back,” underscoring the urgent need to counteract what she views as the damaging policies inflicted on America by Joe Biden.
Last year’s gubernatorial loss has not deterred Lake, who claims she won the election and that it was stolen. “I’ve looked at the polling, to be honest, and I believe I’m the only one who can win that race,” Lake confidently said of the Arizona Senate contest. Her loss in the governor’s race was by less than one percentage point.
If Lake decides to run, she brings a fervent support base that aligns with Trump’s conservative ideology. It could be a game-changer in a state where the Cook Political Report currently rates Sinema’s seat as a “toss-up.”
