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.
A message for Arizonans from Senator Kyrsten Sinema pic.twitter.com/1XWFSWgGdh
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) March 5, 2024
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.
As a Journalist, I covered Kyrsten Sinema for many years. We may not agree on everything, but I know she shares my love for Arizona.
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) March 5, 2024
Senator Sinema had the courage to stand tall against the Far-Left in defense of the filibuster—despite the overwhelming pressure from the radicals…
In his own post on X, Gallego said, "I want to thank @SenatorSinema for her nearly two decades of service to our state."
I want to thank @SenatorSinema for her nearly two decades of service to our state.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) March 5, 2024
Arizona, we are at a crossroads. Protecting abortion access, tackling housing affordability, securing our water supply, defending our democracy — all of this and more is on the line.
It’s time…
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.
