FOX News’ Rich Edson on the latest details of the upcoming Virginia elections Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate and conservative firebrand Kari Lake formally announced Tuesday she will seek the Republican nomination for Senate in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched races of 2024. “I am not going to retreat. I’m going to stand on top of this hill with every single one of you. And I know you’re on my side as I formally announce my candidacy for the United States Senate,” Lake told a crowd in Scottsdale, Arizona as they cheered the longtime former television anchor turned MAGA champion who narrowly lost her race to be the state’s governor last year.
Lake’s announcement has catapulted her national profile after months of campaigning as a top surrogate for former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and supporting Republican candidates across the country. She has traveled extensively, headlining events in 14 states and addressing Republican organizations at various levels. Lake has also endorsed candidates in other Senate races, showcasing her influence within the party.
In the upcoming Senate race, Lake will face off against Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, the only other major candidate in the Republican primary. The winner of the primary is expected to compete against Phoenix-area Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is considered the front-runner for his party’s nomination. Incumbent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party to become an independent last year, has not yet confirmed if she will seek re-election.
Lamb, emphasizing his conservative credentials, declared himself as the “only one proven conservative winner” in the Senate race and highlighted his dedication to protecting Arizonans. Meanwhile, Gallego’s campaign dismissed Lake’s candidacy, predicting that voters would reject her once again due to her “extremist” views and previous loss in the race for Arizona governor.
The outcome of the Arizona Senate race will be closely watched, as Democrats currently hold a narrow one-seat majority in the Senate, with Sinema and two other independent senators caucusing with them. Republicans have identified Arizona as a key target in their efforts to regain the majority in the 2024 elections, along with seats in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Montana, Nevada, and West Virginia.
Arizona’s Senate race has already generated significant interest and is expected to be a highly contested battle. Stay tuned for the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more at our Digital election hub.
Brandon Gillespie is an associate editor at [publication]. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_cg. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more politics content.
