Motherhood, Menopause & MAGA: Kari Lake Steals the Show at the RNC

Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with a powerful address likening herself to a “middle-aged, fed-up mother” more dangerous than a grizzly bear. The event’s theme was “Make America Safe Once Again,” with speakers focusing on immigration, the border, and crime.

Lake, aged 54, is competing against Democrat Ruben Gallego in a highly contested Arizona Senate race, seeking to replace departing Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Lake, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has consistently denied legitimate election outcomes, including Trump’s 2020 loss and her own gubernatorial defeat in 2022.

During her speech, Lake attacked the media, stating, “I don’t welcome everybody here in this room. The guys up in the fake news, frankly, you guys … have outworn your welcome.” She also invoked motherhood to address the fentanyl crisis affecting Arizona.

“The Grand Canyon state has become the fentanyl state, and it’s not OK with this mom. I’m not OK with that,” she asserted, pointing to individuals in the crowd and emphasizing that other mothers shared her concerns.

The Republican Party has been working to gain the support of parents on issues like education policy but struggles to attract women voters and has not prioritized female candidates for top positions. Lake stands out as the only woman and mother nominated by Republicans for a competitive Senate seat. She is a former news anchor, married to a schoolteacher, with two children.

“I learned something watching the Nature Channel, which is that the most dangerous place on planet Earth is between a mama bear and her baby cubs,” said Lake. “And that’s where the radical left has found themselves because they’ve awoken a sleeping giant. Tens of millions of moms and dads from sea to shining sea, they’re going to be showing up on November 5th.”

Lake continued, “I can think of one thing more dangerous than a grizzly bear, and that’s a middle-aged, fed-up mother in Washington, D.C. And I haven’t even started my hot flashes yet, guys. Just wait,” to enthusiastic applause.

Recognizing her own daughter Ruby in the audience, Lake concluded, “My daughter’s over there—selfishly, I want to fight for my kids, but I want to fight for your kids as well. They deserve a better future.”

Current polling averages from Decision Desk HQ show Gallego leading with 45 percent to Lake’s 42 percent.