in Arizona
The Republican Senate pickup in Arizona is in jeopardy as Kari Lake, the party’s nominee, is struggling to win over more moderate voters. While Lake is appealing to conservative voters with her hard line against illegal immigration and her staunch support of President Donald Trump, she is failing to make inroads with moderate, independent voters who are necessary for a GOP victory in the swing state.
Lake’s hard-right positions have alienated some moderates, but her candidacy has also been hampered by her lack of political experience and history of racially insensitive remarks. She is facing a strong challenge from the Democratic nominee, former astronaut Mark Kelly, who has a positive favorability rating and broad support from all parts of the electorate.
In order for the GOP to pick up a seat in the Senate, Lake will need to broaden her appeal and convince moderate voters that she can lead on issues like health care and immigration. The Republican Party is attempting to accomplish this by tying Lake to local issues and personalities and emphasizing her medical background, which could help her with moderate voters who prioritize health care. Ultimately, though, how successful Lake is in courtting moderate voters will decide whether Republicans succeed in adding to their Senate majority.
