Kyrsten Sinema Takes Up Super Tuesday Spotlight, Bows Out of Arizona Senate Race

Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says she is not going to run for reelection in Arizona, ending the possibility of a three-way race for the seat with Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake.

She made the announcement in a video message on X on Super Tuesday as primary voters in 16 states decide who they want to run for president for their party.

Sinema blamed "anger and division" and the current political climate for her decision, saying "Americans still choose to retreat farther to their partisan corners."

Lake reacted in an X post, saying, "We may not agree on everything, but I know she shares my love for Arizona."

"Senator Sinema had the courage to stand tall against the Far-Left," she added.

In his own post on X, Gallego said, "I want to thank @SenatorSinema for her nearly two decades of service to our state."

Sinema was a Democrat for most of her political career but dumped the party in 2022. She had upset progressives by blocking some of their priorities and had reached across the aisle to work with Republicans.

Democrats were worried that if she ran as an independent she would pull votes away from Gallego, ensuring a Republican win for the seat.

The 2024 race for her seat is one of the most closely-watched races as both parties look to gain control of the U.S. Senate.

Tags

Arizona, Politics, Senate