The state is one of the few Democratic strongholds that Republicans are focusing their efforts on in upcoming elections.
In a rally held in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Tuesday night, former local news anchor and self-proclaimed “MAGA Mama Bear,” Kari Lake, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, officially declared her candidacy for the U.S. Senate. This announcement comes nearly a year after her loss in the state’s gubernatorial race, a defeat she still refuses to concede.
Addressing her supporters in an open airport hangar, Lake emphasized her determination by stating, “I am not going to retreat. I’m going to stand on top of this hill with every single one of you as I formally announce my candidacy for the United States.”
Reflecting on her gubernatorial loss, Lake shared, “Sometimes when things don’t go the way we expect, we find ourselves questioning and asking why. I’ve been talking to God about this; I said, ‘why God?’ I think God has bigger plans for us.”
Former President Donald Trump formally endorsed Lake through a video message played during the rally, and his support was visible on a screen outside the event’s entrance, although it did not attract an overflow crowd. Nevertheless, a dedicated group of several hundred supporters gathered for over an hour, many brandishing “With Us” signs, to listen to the conservative figure.
While Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who transitioned to independent status last year, has not confirmed her intention to run for reelection, Lake positioned the race as a three-way competition involving herself, Sinema, and Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego of Arizona. Notably, Lake did not mention her Republican primary opponent.
Kari Lake, before branding herself as “the only mom in the race,” expressed concerns and attributed some blame to President Biden and former President Barack Obama for recent events in Israel. She mentioned her apprehension that similar situations might unfold in the United States and stressed the importance of praying for Israel’s swift and decisive victory over Hamas. few Democratic strongholds
Lake, invoking her role as a protective mother, shared her worries about the state of the world and the potential for similar challenges in the United States. She also criticized the situation at the southern border, asserting that “the cartels own Arizona” and that this situation will persist until changes are made at the federal level, specifically targeting Joe Biden, Ruben Gallego, and Kyrsten Sinema.
In a bid to differentiate herself further from her political opponents, Lake sporadically criticized the U.S.’s support for Ukraine, claiming that they prioritize Ukraine’s border over their own. She assured her audience that securing the southern border would be her primary focus if elected to the Senate.
In a noteworthy shift in her stance, Lake acknowledged the popularity of mail-in ballots and encouraged Arizonans to participate, despite having previously expressed concerns about them, aligning her position with former President Trump’s call to be actively engaged in the electoral process. She urged people not to abstain from voting due to dissatisfaction with the system, emphasizing the importance of taking part in the democratic process to effect change.