Ex-Democrat Krysten Sinema belittles former colleagues in private as she courts reelection

Senator Krysten Sinema (I-AZ) has reportedly been critical of her former colleagues in the Democratic Party while at the same time cozying up to GOP donors ahead of a possible reelection bid.

Sinema, who switched to be an independent late last year, has used her new-found independence to criticize Democratic lawmakers and praise Republican allies. She has also been actively seeking campaign funds by appearing at GOP-dominated receptions and retreats.

Despite being aligned with Democrats for committee purposes, Sinema has distanced herself from the caucus and revealed that she does not attend meetings where “old dudes are eating Jell-O, everyone is talking about how great they are. That’s an hour and a half twice a week that I can get back,” according to Politico.

When speaking privately with GOP allies, Sinema becomes even more critical of Democratic leaders like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and even President Joe Biden and top members of his Cabinet. Sinema has been one of the best fundraisers in the Senate, raising over $803,000 in 2022 and ending the year with $8.2 million cash on hand, and she is currently considering a second term in 2024.

Despite her fundraising prowess, Sinema is considered a vulnerable incumbent, vulnerable to challenges from both sides of the aisle after leaving the Democratic Party. Her shift towards the GOP has sparked hope among Republicans, who believe she could be convinced to caucus with them or at least back their proposed legislation in the split Senate.