Democrat Ruben Gallego will defeat Kari Lake for Arizona Senate seat, Research project

Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego has secured a victory in Arizona’s closely watched U.S. Senate race, CNN projects, defeating Republican Kari Lake to become the state’s first Latino senator. Gallego, a five-term congressman, will replace retiring independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a former Democrat. His win represents a bright spot for Democrats, especially after they lost both the presidency and control of the Senate in the most recent elections. CNN has yet to project the outcome for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gallego’s victory is notable in the context of Donald Trump’s win in Arizona, making him one of several Democrats who managed to win Senate seats this year while the president-elect carried their states. This adds to the significance of the race, highlighting Gallego’s appeal even in a state that leaned Republican in the presidential election.

The Arizona Senate contest was a fierce battle between Gallego and Lake, the 2022 Republican nominee for governor and a staunch Trump ally. Lake, known for pushing false conspiracies about the 2020 election and questioning her own defeat two years ago, struggled to rally support from key voter groups. Gallego, in contrast, rebranded himself as a moderate during the general election, positioning himself as a candidate who could bridge divides and represent all Arizonans.

Gallego expressed his gratitude to voters from both parties after the race was called. In a statement, he thanked Republicans who supported him, saying, “They took a chance on me.” He also emphasized his commitment to working across the aisle, stating, “We’re not going to agree all the time, and I’m going to always seek the input, and we’re going to find middle ground where we can.” However, he made it clear that his priorities would be rooted in defending the U.S. Constitution and fighting for the interests of everyday Arizonans.

As the newly elected senator, Gallego was asked how he would navigate a Senate majority controlled by Republicans and a potential Republican White House. He stated that he would be prepared to “fight the administration” when necessary but would also work to find common ground when possible. Ultimately, his focus, he said, would remain on doing “what is the best for Arizona.”

Key issues in the race included the state’s economy, high housing costs, immigration, and abortion rights. Gallego campaigned on fixing what he called a “broken immigration system” and ensuring better border security. He also promised to work to lower costs for Arizonans, including prices for gas, groceries, and rent. These issues resonated with voters, especially those struggling with the high cost of living in the state.

Pre-election polling showed Lake struggling to match Trump’s numbers in Arizona, particularly among independent voters, who are crucial in deciding the state’s elections. Gallego’s message of moderation and his focus on kitchen-table issues, combined with his strong fundraising efforts, allowed him to outperform Lake, who did not receive support from the key Senate GOP super PAC tied to Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

Gallego, born in Chicago to Colombian and Mexican parents, brings a unique perspective to the Senate. He served in the U.S. Marines and was deployed to Iraq, where he witnessed some of the worst fighting of the war. He has been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has used his personal experiences to inform his policy positions.

Gallego first entered public office in 2014, when he was elected to represent a deep-blue district in the Phoenix area. Before his congressional career, he served two terms in the Arizona House of Representatives. Known for his progressive positions, Gallego was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, though he worked to present a more centrist image in the Senate race to appeal to a broader electorate.

The victory by Gallego marks a historic moment for Arizona, as the state will now be represented by its first Latino senator. It is also a significant achievement for Democrats, who have seen some setbacks in recent elections but can point to Gallego’s win as a sign of continued strength in key battleground states.

Gallego’s victory is expected to be a boost for the Democratic Party in a Senate that will soon be controlled by Republicans. As he prepares to take office in January, he will need to navigate a divided political landscape while advocating for the issues that matter most to Arizona voters.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.