Kari Lake, front-runner for the GOP Senate nomination in Arizona, opted for a town hall instead of participating in the primary debate, leaving her opponent alone on stage.
Kari Lake, a prominent MAGA figure and leading candidate for the Republican Senate nomination in Arizona, made the decision to skip the GOP primary debate on Wednesday night. Instead of participating in the scheduled event with her only primary challenger, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, she held a town hall in Tucson. The event, which was streamed live, featured Lake engaging with a former UFC fighter, leaving Lamb to handle the debate stage on his own.
Lake’s campaign presented the town hall as an opportunity for Republicans, independents, and Democrats to engage with her, signaling her focus on the general election. She spoke at length about her vision for the Senate and her plans to defeat the Democrats in the November election, particularly focusing on her likely face-off against Rep. Ruben Gallego. Despite Lamb’s absence from the event, Lake’s remarks included only a single mention of him, but it was clear that her attention was on the upcoming election.
Lake’s decision to bypass the debate was not without its criticisms. Her challenger, Mark Lamb, who attended the Clean Elections Commission Q&A in lieu of the debate, took advantage of the situation by making pointed remarks about Lake’s absence. Lamb noted that he would never hire someone who doesn’t show up for a job interview, a subtle jab at Lake’s decision to opt out of the debate.
Throughout her town hall, Lake downplayed her GOP primary contest, stating that she was ahead in the polls by 31 points over Lamb, suggesting that the outcome of the primary was a foregone conclusion. She mentioned the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming primary election in July, emphasizing the need for Republicans to unite for the larger battle in November.
Lake’s focus on the general election was evident in her criticism of Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is expected to be her main rival for the Senate seat. She painted Gallego in negative terms, calling him a “swamp rat” and later referring to him as “Nancy Pelosi with a beard.” Her campaign rhetoric targeted Gallego as part of the broader Democratic establishment, framing him as part of the political elite she aims to take down.
Mark Lamb, meanwhile, faced the unusual position of being alone on stage during the primary debate. Despite the absence of his main competitor, he took the opportunity to engage with voters in the Q&A session. Lamb spoke about his qualifications for the job, reiterating that the Senate race was ultimately a job interview and that showing up, participating, and being prepared were crucial aspects of leadership. He refrained from naming Lake directly but made clear his stance on accountability.
The debate, or lack thereof, highlights the growing tensions within the Arizona GOP primary. While Lake maintains a strong lead in the polls, her decision to avoid the debate raises questions about her commitment to engaging with all aspects of the primary process. The outcome of the Arizona Senate race remains critical, not only for the state but also for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. As the general election approaches, both candidates will continue to focus on solidifying their positions for the November vote.
