The former Democrat’s announcement clears the way for a showdown between Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and Trump-loving Republican Kari Lake
Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema announced on Tuesday that she will not seek reelection in 2024. The move clears the way for a showdown between Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake in what will be one of the most consequential races this year.
In a video message released on social media, Sinema claimed that despite her successes and efforts to promote unity and understanding “Americans still chose to retreat farther into their partisan corners.”
“I believe in my approach, but it’s not what America wants right now. I love Arizona, and I’m so proud of what we’ve delivered. Because I chose civility, understanding, listening, working together to get stuff done, I will leave the Senate at the end of this year,” she said.
Sinema was facing a tough reelection bid in 2024, as Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Trump-loving Republican Kari Lake are both vying for her seat.
Even within her state, the senator’s frequent fence-straddling and breaks with party leadership earned rebukes from Arizona Democrats. In 2022 the state party censured Sinema after she refused to support Senate efforts to end the filibuster. Later that year, Sinema left the Democratic Party entirely and changed her affiliation to Independent.
Source link: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/kyrsten-sinema-senate-reelection-1234981326/
