Arizona Police Association endorses Ruben Gallego for Senate after backing Trump – Washington Examiner
The Arizona Police Association (APA) has endorsed Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego for the Senate due to his history of supporting pro-police measures in Congress. This endorsement comes despite the APA previously backing former President Donald Trump, showcasing a notable shift in political support. APA President Justin Harris praised Gallego for his understanding of modern policing and his efforts in securing funding for police initiatives such as recruitment, PTSD assistance, and de-escalation training. Gallego expressed pride in receiving the endorsement and emphasized his commitment to ensuring law enforcement in Arizona has the resources needed to tackle challenges like fentanyl trafficking.
The endorsement is significant for Gallego, who is currently leading Republican nominee Kari Lake in polls by approximately 6.7 percentage points. Trump recently criticized Gallego at a rally, calling him a “loser,” while promoting Lake and receiving her endorsement from other law enforcement groups such as the Arizona Law Enforcement Association and the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs. In response to the endorsement, Lake accused Gallego of undermining law enforcement.
Arizona Police Association endorses Ruben Gallego for Senate after backing Trump
The Arizona Police Association endorsed Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) for Senate, applauding him for his record in Congress supporting of pro-police measures. The same group has offered its support to former President Donald Trump, who is on the other side of the aisle.
“As a Marine combat veteran, we know Congressman Gallego understands the complexities of modern policing in American society today, while at the same time recognizing the public’s expectations,” APA President Justin Harris said in a statement. “The APA does not take our endorsements lightly; we recognize the importance of having a U.S. Senator that can bring people together to improve our society for all. We believe that Congressman Gallego will be that U.S. Senator.”
Harris cited Gallego’s work in Congress securing funding to be used for recruitment and retention bonuses, assisting police officers with PTSD, and de-escalation training.
“I am proud to have the APA’s support,” Gallego said in response, “and look forward to working with them in the Senate to ensure Arizona’s law enforcement officers have the resources necessary to combat fentanyl trafficking, train the next generation of officers, and, above all, keep Arizona families safe.”
Just a few days ago, Harris spoke at a rally for Trump, offering his endorsement of the former president for the second time.
During that rally, Trump promoted Republican nominee Kari Lake and called Gallego a “loser.”
“She’s solid as a rock,” Trump said. “This guy is a friggin loser. He is a loser.”
Missing out on the APA is a massive blow to the Lake, who is trailing Gallego in the polls by an average of 6.7 percentage points, according to the RealClearPolitics average.
However, Lake has received endorsements from other law enforcement groups, including the Arizona Law Enforcement Association and the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs.
In response to the APA endorsement of Gallego, Lake highlighted his efforts in “undermining our law enforcement” in a post on X.
“He marched in violent anti-cop protests, called police officers the bad guys, & wanted to blow up the filibuster to Defund The Police,” Lake wrote. “Our campaign has overwhelming support from Arizona Law Enforcement because they know that I want to help them in their mission to make America safe.”
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