Ruben Gallego Triumphs Over Kari Lake to Secure US Senate Seat, According to AP

PHOENIX — The race for Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat concluded on Monday night, with Democrat Ruben Gallego projected as the winner by the Associated Press. This victory marks a significant milestone, as Gallego will become the first Latino Senator in the state’s 112-year history.

Gallego, a five-term congressman representing South Phoenix and a Marine combat veteran, has now made history. His win also highlights a notable trend, with Republicans facing defeat in four of the last six Senate races in Arizona. Prior to this streak that began in 2018, Republican candidates had maintained a winning record since 1994.

Kari Lake, the Republican candidate, shared a video on “X,” formerly known as Twitter, acknowledging the outcome but stopping short of a formal concession. While thanking Arizonans for their support, she expressed her pride in the journey she has undergone. “This journey we’ve taken over the past few years has been once in a lifetime,” Lake stated. “It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Lake has yet to reveal her future plans following the election. Her campaign, centered around the “Mama Bear Initiative,” focused on parental control over education and policies to strengthen family values. She also promised to address inflation and secure the southern border, asserting she would seek full funding for border wall construction if elected.

Gallego, who has served Arizona’s third district since 2023, has championed women’s rights, co-sponsoring notable legislation such as the Women’s Health Protection Act. He emphasizes protecting water resources and healthcare for Arizona’s tribal communities as key priorities.

Raised in Chicago by a single mother, Gallego, the son of Mexican and Colombian immigrants, defied the odds to attend Harvard University and later served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, fighting in Iraq. In contrast, Lake remains a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and has not acknowledged her 2022 loss in the Arizona gubernatorial race. Throughout her campaign, she maintained her beliefs regarding election integrity and has persistently challenged electronic voting systems.

This election underscores the evolving political landscape in Arizona, revealing shifting voter priorities and demographics as the state prepares for future electoral contests.