Sinema exit ramps up Arizona Senate race and battle for critical centrist vote

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (I-AZ) decision not to seek reelection to the Senate puts Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), the likely Democratic nominee, and Kari Lake, who is the front-running Republican candidate, on the fast track for a two-way race in Arizona.

Immediately following the news of Sinema’s retirement, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), the leader of the GOP Senate campaign arm, declared the development would improve Lake’s opportunity to flip the seat.