With an eye toward the 2024 elections, some GOP leaders worry about the fate of an Arizona Senators seat.
Former Democrat and now Independent Senator Krysten Sinemas seat will be up for grabs, which would be a golden opportunity for Republicans.
Politico reports two Republicans may be vying for it. The GOPs problem is that both lost their election bids last year.
Republican Kari Lake has not publicly thrown her hat in the ring. However, after her unsuccessful run for Arizona governor against Kari Hobbs, she is facing legal challenges alleging that she falsely claimed the election was stolen. A person close to her suggests Lakes decision on the upcoming election would be made known once the legal suit is resolved.
According to Fox News, the GOPs #2 leader in the Senate, John Thune, said, Any candidate in 24 that has, as their principal campaign theme, a stolen election, is probably going to have the same issues that some of the 22 candidates had. I dont think thats where the American public is. Its a swing state we need a good Republican nominee. You know, whoever gets in, I hope they focus on the future, not the past.
Blake Masters, a Republican running for Senate in 2022, lost by only 5 percentage points. He has been inquiring about the 2024 contest, with some Republicans convinced he is setting himself up for another run. According to Politico, thats not exactly true, as a person familiar with his actions says he is undecided at present and just testing the waters.
The state of Arizona would be a good test of the GOPs future in Arizona. For years, it was more conservative and liberal but has begun drifting to the left, with three straight Senate races going to the Democrats.
Thats concerning for an Arizona-based Republican strategist. Barrett Marson said, Look at what happened in the last two elections. You in no way have to guess what happens when MAGA candidates ignore bread-and-butter issues that Arizonians care about.
Marson continued, Kari Lake is not the governor. Blake Masters is not a senator. Republicans have to get back to basics.
Getting back to basics may mean someone like former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey stepping up to the plate. The two-term gubernatorial candidate is a favorite as a traditional Republican even though he declined to run for Senator Mark Kellys seat.
According to Politico, Thune said, Hes made it pretty clear hes not interested, but hed be a great option.
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