Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake refuses to say whether she lost 2022 election for governor

Kari Lake, the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, faced intense scrutiny during a recent interview regarding her stance on the 2022 gubernatorial election, which she lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs. In a conversation on CNN’s “The Source with Kaitlan Collins,” Lake repeatedly declined to confirm whether she acknowledged her defeat.

When Collins inquired if Lake recognized her loss, she deflected the question, stating, “Why are we looking backward? I’m looking forward.” Lake emphasized her focus on the upcoming elections and the pressing issues facing Arizona, including border security and economic revitalization. “The people of our state are caring about what’s coming up,” she asserted, pointing to the importance of upcoming elections and the need to address critical issues.

Despite Collins’ persistence in seeking a direct answer, Lake maintained her stance. “You’ve seen thousands of interviews from me. I’ve answered that a million times,” she said, dismissing the inquiry. She later added, “I want to make sure our elections are run properly, and I’m still in litigation, so I don’t want to speak to that. But I do want to look forward.”

Lake’s refusal to directly address her 2022 election loss reflects a broader strategy among some Republican candidates, particularly those aligned with former President Donald Trump. As a former news anchor making her first foray into politics, Lake has gained national attention for her unwavering support of Trump and her promotion of baseless claims of widespread election fraud. She has also pursued legal avenues to contest her defeat in 2022.

This ongoing focus on past election results has raised concerns among GOP strategists and donors about Lake’s viability in the upcoming Senate race against Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego. Many within the party have expressed doubts about her chances of winning, particularly in light of her contentious relationships with fellow Republicans, including the family of the late Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Lake is currently vying for the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who was elected as a Democrat in 2018, marking a significant shift in Arizona’s political landscape. Sinema’s decision to step down has opened the door for a competitive race, with Gallego, a retired Marine and current congressman from a deep-blue district, already in the running since early 2023.

Historically, Arizona has been a Republican stronghold, but recent elections have seen a shift in power. President Biden’s narrow victory in 2020 and the subsequent success of Democratic candidates in the last three U.S. Senate races indicate a changing political climate. The state GOP is currently grappling with the fallout from recent electoral losses, including key positions such as governor and secretary of state.

The rise of election deniers like Lake within the Arizona GOP reflects a broader trend, where candidates who align closely with Trump’s rhetoric have increasingly dominated primaries. Despite these shifts, Republicans still hold a significant number of statewide offices and control the state legislature.

As the campaign unfolds, Lake’s ability to pivot away from her past electoral experiences may be tested further. Her focus on future issues and her reluctance to address her previous loss could be both a strategy to energize her base and a potential liability in a race that could hinge on voter sentiment regarding election integrity and accountability.

With the election approaching, the spotlight remains on Lake and her Democratic challenger, Gallego, as they navigate a complex political landscape in a state that has become a key battleground for both parties. As Lake continues to rally her supporters, her handling of questions about her past may prove pivotal in shaping her campaign narrative and overall electoral success.