Kari Lake wins Arizona Senate primary, teeing up showdown with Gallego

Republican Kari Lake easily glided to victory in the Arizona Senate GOP primary, according to a projection from Decision Desk HQ, teeing up a marquee showdown between her and Democratic Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego.

Lake was largely seen as the presumptive GOP nominee in the Republican contest to replace retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I), as her only real challenger was Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb. Gallego ran uncontested in the Democratic contest.

Lake ran for Arizona governor in 2022 and narrowly lost to Gov. Katie Hobbs (D).

“Congratulations to Kari Lake on her commanding victory in tonight’s primary,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines said. “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 pass more reckless spending that will drive prices up. Kari Lake will work with President Trump to secure the border, get crime under control, and bring down prices.”

Following her primary victory Tuesday night, Gallego released a statement hitting Lake over reproductive rights.

“In the 554 days since we launched this campaign, Arizonans in every corner of the state have made clear that they want a U.S. Senator who can bring people together to defend abortion rights, cut costs for families, protect our water future, and take care of our veterans — and that’s exactly what I intend to do,” Gallego said.

“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.”

Lake, also a former local news anchor, has repeatedly refuted her election loss despite multiple court challenges getting tossed. The firebrand conservative has sought to court skeptics and moderate Republicans she isolated last cycle, with limited success.

Gallego, meanwhile, has sought to eschew his progressive bona fides, including having his membership expire with the Congressional Progressive Caucus. 

An aggregate of Arizona Senate polls compiled by Decision Desk HQ shows Gallego leading Lake 47 percent to 43 percent. 

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Sinema’s seat as “lean Democrat.”