Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake Gear Up for Showdown in Arizona Senate Debate

Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake faced off in their only debate Wednesday, a pivotal moment in the Arizona Senate race as early voting began. This debate is seen as crucial for shaping the election’s outcome and ultimately determining control of the U.S. Senate.

Kari Lake, a former television news anchor and prominent figure in the populist right, has struggled to redefine herself since her defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial race. In contrast, Democratic Congressman Ruben Gallego, who represents predominantly Latino areas in Phoenix, has leveraged a significant financial advantage to craft a campaign centered around his military service and personal narrative rather than solely focusing on his progressive record in Congress.

Broadcasted live at 9 p.m. EDT across various television stations in Arizona, the debate offers Lake a chance to realign the race, where polls suggest she is trailing. For Gallego, it serves as an opportunity to connect with voters who may still be unfamiliar with his background and policies.

Both candidates are keen on appealing to a small but crucial segment of Republicans and conservative independents willing to cross party lines. This demographic has played a key role in Arizona’s political transformation from a Republican stronghold to a competitive battleground over the last decade.

Gallego focuses on abortion rights, which gained renewed attention following a state Supreme Court ruling that restricted abortions. This contrasts with Lake, who has expressed support for stricter abortion limits.

Lake prioritizes discussions surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border, depicting a crisis of drug and human trafficking. She links Gallego to issues related to increased border crossings and turmoil during President Biden’s administration, spotlighting his previous criticism of border wall funding.

A staunch ally of former President Trump, Lake echoes his claims regarding the 2020 election, refusing to concede her own gubernatorial loss and persisting in legal battles over the results. This year, she attempted and failed to convince several courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, to ban electronic voting machines.

Lake has also brought attention to Gallego’s personal life, particularly his divorce from Kate Gallego, the current mayor of Phoenix. She alleges that he abandoned his wife during her pregnancy, a claim Gallego has addressed with the support of his ex-wife, who has openly campaigned for him.

Ruben Gallego, a military veteran with a decade-long congressional career, presents a compelling life story. Raised by a single mother in Chicago, he is the son of immigrants from Mexico and Colombia. Gallego enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve while attending Harvard University and served in Iraq, where he faced significant challenges, including the loss of his best friend.