Republicans Rally Behind Ruben Gallego and Kamala Harris

Kari Lake, the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial candidate, once told Republicans who admired John McCain to “get the hell out.” Some took her advice to heart, and now many have shifted their support toward Democratic candidates in the upcoming November election.

Although those Republicans have not left the GOP entirely, they are now backing Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Congressman Ruben Gallego. Lake, a staunch Trump supporter, will be facing off against Gallego for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Kyrsten Sinema, who has opted not to run for reelection.

Lake has modeled her political persona after Trump, even going so far as to deny the results of her gubernatorial election loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs in 2022. This strategy, reminiscent of Trump’s denial of the 2020 presidential election results, has only found success in primaries.

Despite her primary win against Sheriff Mark Lamb by 16 percentage points, a recent HighGround Public Affairs poll shows Gallego leading by 11 points. Nearly 50% of voters indicated their support for Gallego, compared to Lake’s 39%. The poll surveyed 500 likely Arizona voters between July 31 and August 5, with a margin of error of ±4.4%.

Lake dismissed the poll results on August 8, stating she prefers to rely on her internal polls, though none have been released. She claimed those polls show her with 89% Republican support, including those who backed Lamb.

“Let me educate you guys, 16% is actually a landslide victory,” Lake told reporters, although HighGround pollster Paul Bentz disagrees. According to Bentz, Lake is garnering less than 80% of the Republican base, a critical shortfall she cannot afford.

Bentz added that Gallego has successfully engaged independent and unaffiliated voters, building a significant lead that will be tough for Lake to overcome without major strategy changes. Notably, Mesa Mayor John Giles, a lifelong Republican, has endorsed Harris and Gallego, urging Republicans to consider voting for the “adult in the room.”

Giles has previously supported Democratic candidates, leading to censure from local GOP precincts. He argues that the far-right candidates like Lake lack the temperament and aptitude for public service, focusing more on power than governance.

Lake sought to project bipartisan appeal by hosting a “Democrats for Lake” event, but it was dominated by far-right Republicans. Only three people claiming Democratic ties spoke briefly, with no prominent Democratic endorsements.

In contrast, Gallego and Harris have launched initiatives to attract Republicans and independents. Former Scottsdale Mayor Sam Campana and Paul Hickman, a longtime McCain associate, have endorsed these Democratic candidates, citing concerns over the current Republican Party’s direction.

Lake remains focused on maintaining GOP support while attempting to convert disillusioned Democrats, but her divisive rhetoric has pushed some Republicans to endorse Gallego instead. Mesa City Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury, another lifelong Republican, cited the importance of leadership character in her decision to publicly support Gallego.

Lake’s event rhetoric, highlighted by inflammatory comments from supporters, starkly contrasts with Spilsbury’s call for integrity and respect in political discourse.