Gallego Defeats Lake in Arizona Senate Race, Flipping Seat to Democrats
Ruben Gallego, a Democratic veteran and former House member, has been elected Arizona’s first Latino U.S. senator, defeating Republican Kari Lake. Gallego’s victory continues a string of Democratic successes in Arizona, a state that has become increasingly competitive. He will replace Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party and ultimately did not seek re-election. Gallego’s win maintains the Democratic control of the Senate, preventing Republicans from expanding their majority. The race was a tight one, with Gallego running ahead of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on the ticket, demonstrating the continued strength of the Democratic message in Arizona, despite a national shift towards Republicans in the Senate.