In a groundbreaking victory, Democrat Ruben Gallego has become Arizona’s first Latino U.S. Senator, edging out Republican Kari Lake in a closely contested race.
At a Glance
- Ruben Gallego is Arizona’s first Latino U.S. Senator.
- He defeated Kari Lake with 50% of the vote.
- Gallego will replace Kyrsten Sinema in the Senate.
- Republicans now control 52 seats in the Senate.
Historic Win for Gallego
In a narrow victory, Ruben Gallego secured a new chapter in Arizona’s political history – and it happened despite President Donald Trump winning by a huge majority in the state. According to reports, he secured 50% of the votes compared to Kari Lake’s 47.7%, establishing him as the first Latino from Arizona to hold a seat in the U.S. Senate. His victory marks a significant milestone not only for him but also for Arizona, which has seen a frequent turnover in Senate seats, with six different senators over the past decade.
Gallego entered the political race with a compelling narrative that resonated with voters. As a Marine Corps veteran, Harvard graduate, and son of immigrants, his story portrays him as a pragmatic moderate, demonstrating the ability to connect authentically with the constituents. This was further reinforced by his consistent lead in polls and superior fundraising capabilities, enabling him to maintain a significant advantage over Lake throughout the campaign.
Democrat Ruben Gallego makes Arizona history, defeats Kari Lake in US Senate race https://t.co/4okezAOU4U
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) November 12, 2024
Challenges Faced by Kari Lake
Kari Lake’s campaign faced several challenges. Despite her prominent position as a long-time Phoenix news anchor and a fervent supporter of the Trump agenda, she struggled to gain traction among moderate Republicans and independents in Arizona. Her divisive comments about late Senator John McCain and her previous unsuccessful run for governor in 2022 did not aid her cause.
“You can call me Trump in a dress any day,” Kari Lake once said.
Lake’s focus on strict border security and criticism of Gallego’s stance on immigration might have resonated with her conservative base but didn’t broaden her appeal enough to secure a victory. Additionally, there was a concerted effort within the Republican community to rally support around Trump, which somewhat excluded Lake from mainstream party endorsement efforts.
Implications for the Senate
Gallego’s success affects the broader balance of power in the Senate. While Republicans have now flipped seats in states like West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Montana, Arizona remains a Democratic stronghold in its recent history of Senate races. This victory concludes the 2024 Senate election cycle, leaving the Senate with 52 Republican-controlled seats and 47 Democratic-held seats.
