Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake expressed her willingness to engage in a debate with Rep. Ruben Gallego, who emerged uncontested in the recent Democratic primary. However, Lake hesitated to commit to a debate sponsored by the nonpartisan Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
During a statement to the press after casting her vote in Paradise Valley, Lake mentioned, 'I think we should talk about which debate we do.' She criticized the nonpartisan group for their conduct in the previous election cycle, stating, 'I don’t want to work with people who operate in that way.'
Lake, who is anticipated to secure victory in her primary against Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, had earlier urged Gallego to debate on the topic of abortion. In response, Gallego confirmed his readiness to engage in a debate with Lake during an interview with NBC News.
As a former Phoenix news anchor, Lake believes that her deep-rooted 30-year connection with Arizonans and her comprehensive understanding of key issues have garnered support from GOP voters over Lamb. She emphasized, 'I’ve been here a long time and they know that I’m a fighter,' highlighting her endorsement by former President Donald Trump.
The upcoming race to fill the Senate seat left vacant by retiring independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema holds significant weight as it could potentially sway control of the closely divided Senate, which is presently under Democratic control.
