in Local News, Politics

Kari Lake Crushes Ruben Gallego in First Debate

Kari Lake

The Arizona Senate race between Republican Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego reached a pivotal moment last night as the two finally faced off in their first and possibly only debate. The debate highlighted the stark contrast between the candidates, with Lake showcasing her willingness to directly engage with voters, while Gallego’s prior reluctance to participate in public forums has left many questioning his commitment to addressing critical issues.

For months, Lake has called for multiple debates, challenging Gallego to discuss key topics such as the border, inflation, and abortion. Last night, she finally got her chance, and she did not hold back. Lake has spent the campaign actively engaging with voters, holding town halls and press conferences across the state, while Gallego has maintained a lower profile, avoiding similar opportunities for public dialogue.

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At the debate, Lake’s assertive performance drew praise from conservative commentators and voters alike. A senior advisor from her campaign shared, “Kari stepped off the stage and immediately said, ‘I want to do that again.’ She’s always been ready to debate the issues that matter most to Arizonans.”

Lake, known for her aggressive media presence, had previously taken to social media to express her frustration with Gallego’s hesitance, tweeting, “I’d love to do a second debate with @RubenGallego! Should he agree, I’ll even let him pick the moderators.” This debate marked the culmination of Lake’s months-long efforts to engage her opponent in direct, public confrontation.

Back in May, Lake even held a press conference, calling Gallego out specifically on the issue of abortion, declaring, “On the issue of abortion, we owe it to the people of this state to not only state our policies but to defend them.” Gallego, as he had before, declined to debate at the time.

Despite finally appearing on stage together, Gallego’s performance last night did little to dispel concerns about his avoidance of the spotlight. Many viewers felt Lake dominated the conversation, confidently outlining her platform on key issues like border security and economic growth, while Gallego seemed more cautious and defensive.

Former President Donald Trump voiced his support for Lake following the debate, stating on X/Twitter, “The Trump-endorsed Senate Candidate in Arizona, @KariLake, crushed her Liberal Democrat Opponent last night, Radical Ruben Gallego. Kari will help me Secure our Border, Stop Inflation, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! In-person and absentee voting has now started in Arizona, so get out and VOTE today!”

Other conservative figures also chimed in. Caitlyn Jenner tweeted, “My friends in Arizona! Please consider supporting @KariLake for US Senate. Her opponent is a radical who has been on the job for 10 years. Time for change! Vote for an upstanding Arizonan, Kari!”

Wendy Rogers, a prominent Arizona State Senator, praised Lake’s debate performance, saying, “So well-disciplined. Full of information. Confident. Polished. Warmhearted but determined. Completely knocked it out of the park.”

The debate comes at a critical time, with early voting already underway in Arizona. Polls show the race for Kyrsten Sinema’s Senate seat is a dead heat, with many voters still undecided. Lake’s camp hopes her strong showing in last night’s debate will sway those on the fence, while Gallego’s team downplayed the event, continuing to focus on grassroots organizing and media outreach.

As the race narrows, Lake’s message is clear: she is ready to take on the tough issues and debate them publicly, while Gallego’s reluctance to engage raises questions about his readiness to represent Arizona in the Senate. With the election just weeks away, Arizona voters will soon decide which candidate’s approach resonates more—Lake’s energetic, transparent style or Gallego’s quieter, more reserved campaign.

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