If you thought you were done hearing about Kari Lake, you would be incorrect.
Lake, who lost a bid for governor in Arizona, will join the race for Senate against Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican former Sheriff Mark Lamb. The incumbent, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, has not announced a reelection campaign.
Kari Lake was endorsed by Trump in 2022 and denied the 2020 presidential election results and her own loss to Arizona governor Katie Hobbs.
“I am not going to retreat,” she told a group of supporters. “I’m going to stand on top of this hill with every single one of you — and I know you’re by my side as I formally announce my candidacy for the United States.”
Lake cautioned supporters on Tuesday of a competitive and contentious race, with no direct mention of her GOP rival, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, in her gubernatorial campaign from the prior year.
Barrett Marson, an Arizona GOP strategist unaffiliated with this campaign cycle, emphasized the significance of Mark Lamb’s presence as a more likable Republican. He described Lamb as a conservative alternative to Kari Lake, noting her focus on election denialism, which doesn’t resonate with the broader Arizona electorate.
Rick Gorka, an adviser to Lamb’s campaign, drew a parallel between Lake and the unsuccessful Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. He highlighted Lamb’s commitment to serving the people, safeguarding the border, and engaging with voters, positioning him as a proven conservative victor.
Lake initiated her candidacy paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and the Arizona Secretary of State’s office last week, coinciding with her meeting with various Republican senators on Capitol Hill.