Kari Lake has been escalating her attacks on the leading Democratic Arizona Senate contender as she mulls a run for the seat herself.
As she continues to assert that she is Arizona’s rightful governor despite unfavorable court rulings, Lake has begun sharpening her focus on Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and previewing how a showdown with him might play out. Recent setbacks in court indicate a decision on a run could come relatively soon.
WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT, AND WHO’S STILL WAITING TO ANNOUNCE FOR SENATE IN 2024
“Ruben Gallego believes secure borders are ‘cruel’ and ‘extreme’ Those are his exact words. Frankly, I think Ruben Gallego is ‘cruel’ and ‘extreme’ if he’s okay watching Americans die at the hands of illegal aliens & fentanyl poisoning,” Lake tweeted Monday.
Ruben Gallego believes secure borders are “cruel” and “extreme”
Those are his exact words.
Frankly, I think Ruben Gallego is “cruel” and “extreme” if he’s okay watching Americans die at the hands of illegal aliens & fentanyl poisoning. pic.twitter.com/byg1UB9zac
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) May 23, 2023
Lake has also hit Gallego on border security and transgender issues.
On Monday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Peter Thompson dismissed Lake’s last outstanding claim in her election lawsuit that Maricopa County did not adequately verify signatures on mail-in ballots.
Lake has long maintained that fraud and malfeasance deprived her of victory against Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) in 2022.
“I’m considering it,” Lake told Newsmax of a Senate run. “It’s in the back of my mind right now. I’m still waiting for our verdict on our trial that wrapped up on Friday for our election. We’re still in the courts were legally … so we’ll see what happens.”
Should Lake enter the race, Gallego is the leading Democratic contender. Incumbent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) hasn’t made her 2024 plans known yet, but there could be a three-way battle for the Grand Canyon State seat.
Gallego entered the race back in January, citing his progressive gripes against Sinema, who exhibited a penchant for bucking her party before switching her affiliation to independent last year.
Lake has largely kept her focus more on Gallego than Sinema so far.
“Hm. Kyrsten Sinema & Ruben Gallego BOTH pushed the FAKE Russia Hoax. Very, very sad for our Great State that our so-called “Leaders” would push bogus propaganda & LIE to Arizonans. Arizona deserves better,” Lake said while posting screenshots of tweets from Gallego and Sinema that alluded to allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Hm. Kyrsten Sinema & Ruben Gallego BOTH pushed the FAKE Russia Hoax.
Very, very sad for our Great State that our so-called “Leaders” would push bogus propaganda & LIE to Arizonans.
Arizona deserves better. pic.twitter.com/chbGcV7pgN
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) May 16, 2023
Lake’s tweets about Gallego have grown more frequent over recent weeks.
“TERRORISTS are entering our Nation & Ruben Gallego is criticizing GOP efforts to secure our border as ‘extreme’ and ‘cruel’ I think allowing Terrorists, Murderers, Criminals & Fentanyl into American Neighborhoods is ‘extreme’ and ‘cruel’ We are not the same,” Lake tweeted Sunday.
TERRORISTS are entering our Nation & Ruben Gallego is criticizing GOP efforts to secure our border as “extreme” and “cruel”
I think allowing Terrorists, Murderers, Criminals & Fentanyl into American Neighborhoods is “extreme” and “cruel”
We are not the same. pic.twitter.com/ZHxYncp20O
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) May 21, 2023
“Ruben Gallego is an Election Denier!” Lake tweeted last week with a clip of Gallego casting aspersions on the legitimacy of former President Donald Trump’s 2016 victory.
“What a joke. Ruben Gallego voted with Biden 100% of the time — he’s one of the most radical liberals in Congress. He’s spent YEARS fighting AGAINST securing the border — allowing the greatest human & drug trafficking operations in history to thrive in our backyard. Radical,” Lake tweeted last month.
What a joke. Ruben Gallego voted with Biden 100% of the time – he’s one of the most radical liberals in Congress.
He’s spent YEARS fighting AGAINST securing the border – allowing the greatest human & drug trafficking operations in history to thrive in our backyard.
Radical… https://t.co/BYfl33LUI6
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) April 20, 2023
At the moment, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is the most prominent Republican in the contest. Two other Republicans, Jim Lamon and Karrin Taylor Robson, are reportedly contemplating a run.
Lake brings with her a massive national profile and strong support from the MAGA world in the wake of her 2022 campaign for governor. Nationally, many Republicans appear skeptical about her prospects, given the baggage from her fixation on election fraud.
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have made no secret that candidate quality is a top priority for them heading into the 2024 election cycle.
Arizona is widely seen as a key pickup opportunity for the GOP, keen on chipping away at the Democrats’ 51-49 hold on the upper chamber.
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Once considered a red state, Arizona has become more competitive over recent years. Republicans have lost control over both Senate seats, the governor’s office, and the 2020 presidential election in the state over the past five years. They barely control the state legislature.
The Washington Examiner contacted representatives for Lake and Gallego for comment.
