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

Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) is distancing herself from her Democratic Party colleagues and courting GOP donors ahead of a potential reelection bid. Sinema has criticized her former coworkers and praised her Republican allies in public appearances aimed at lining her pockets with campaign funds. The Arizona senator has also attended GOP-dominated receptions and retreats to belittle Democratic lawmakers in front of Republican allies.

Sinema’s attitude towards Democrats is even more critical in private settings. She has harshly criticized Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and even President Joe Biden and members of his Cabinet. At one point during a fundraiser, Sinema showed her disdain for former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, flashing him the middle finger to indicate her feelings about a conversation they had.

Although Sinema’s shift in attitude has sparked hope among Republicans that she may caucus with the GOP or back some of their proposed legislation, it may not be enough to prevent Republican challengers from emerging to compete for a second-term bid in 2024.

Sinema has emerged as one of the strongest fundraisers in the Senate, raising more than $803,000 last year and ending 2022 with $8.2 million cash on hand. However, the Arizona senator is considered a vulnerable incumbent, having left the Democratic Party and opened herself up to challenges from both sides of the aisle.

Read more from The Washington Examiner