Democratic Senate candidate and Representative Ruben Gallego from Arizona is working to gain support from Republican and independent voters in the swing state. On Sunday, his campaign announced the launch of “Republicans and Independents for Ruben,” a group of 40 Republican and Independent leaders who are backing him for the Senate.
Gallego stated, “I am running for the U.S. Senate to represent all Arizonans, no matter where they live or what political party they belong to. We may not agree on everything, but we can find common ground in building a better Arizona.”
The endorsements for Gallego include current and former Republican elected officials, business owners, and community leaders, including several former aides to the late Senator John McCain.
Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake faced criticism earlier this year for past comments against McCain, who was a prisoner of war. Paul Hickman, McCain’s former state director, compared Ruben to his former boss, saying, “Like my former boss, Ruben has spent decades serving his country and state. I trust that in the Senate, Ruben will work with others to make compromises and always put Arizona first.”
This announcement comes shortly after Gallego won the Democratic primary in the Arizona Senate race, running unopposed to replace retiring Senator Kyrsten Sinema. Kari Lake won her Republican primary against Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb. Although Lake won the GOP nomination, some primary voters still supported Lamb, raising questions about whether they will support Lake in November.
Lake has tried to win over moderate Republicans who were skeptical of her in the past, but with limited success. Meanwhile, Gallego has distanced himself from his progressive roots, including letting his membership in the Congressional Progressive Caucus expire.
Despite Arizona having more registered Republican voters, recent elections have seen Democrats like Governor Katie Hobbs and President Biden gaining support and winning narrowly. According to a poll aggregate by Decision Desk HQ and The Hill, Gallego is leading Lake with 47 percent support compared to her 43 percent.