© 2024 Allbritton Journalism Institute

Even Republicans Say Kari Lake’s Campaign Is Falling Apart

After signaling that she wanted to change course following a failed gubernatorial run, the Republican Senate candidate in Arizona is in a difficult spot weeks out from Election Day.

Karie Lake
Republicans are frustrated with how Kari Lake, their candidate in Arizona’s Senate race, is doing weeks out from the election. Ross D. Franklin/AP

For Kari Lake’s Senate campaign, things have gone from bad to worse.

Just weeks out from Election Day, a poll had her trailing her Democratic opponent in the Arizona Senate race by double-digit points, her largest deficit to date. She didn’t get the backing of the Arizona Police Association, which gave its endorsement to her Democratic opponent instead, even though the traditionally Republican group endorsed her two years ago during her unsuccessful gubernatorial run. Lake is also at a financial disadvantage to Rep. Ruben Gallego, who has vastly outraised her as long as she’s been in the race.

Insiders attribute the campaign’s free fall to personal animus and position flip-flopping, particularly on abortion, leaving a growing number of independents and Republicans in the state running to Gallego. It’s frustrating Republicans, especially in Arizona.