Former gubernatorial rival endorses Kari Lake in Arizona Senate race

Karrin Taylor Robson, who ran and lost to Kari Lake in the Arizona governor’s race last cycle, announced she would endorse Lake in her Arizona Senate bid Wednesday.

“It is essential that we hold on to the Republican majorities in our state legislature,” she wrote in a statement shared on social platform X.  “With Katie Hobbs in the Governor’s office, we cannot allow a Democratic majority in the legislature to pass a wish list of progressive policies.”

“Senate nominee Kari Lake, our congressional nominees, and the winners of GOP legislative primaries across the state have my full endorsement,” Robson added.

The statement is notable given that the Arizona gubernatorial GOP primary last cycle turned particularly heated between the two women. Lake has sought to court moderate and establishment Republicans like Robson after isolating them last cycle, though some have remained unconvinced. 

But Robson’s statement suggests some Republicans may be open to mending fences now that Lake is the official Senate GOP nominee. Lake easily glided to victory in the primary Tuesday, according to a projection from Decision Desk HQ, teeing up a marquee showdown between her and Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego.

Lake replied to Robson’s statement, writing on X, “Thank you, @KTaylorRobson” with a heart emoji. 

The Arizona Senate seat is seen as a potential pickup opportunity for Republicans as they look to flip the Senate in November.