Gallego endorsed by 40 Republicans and independents as Democrats hone in on Arizona

As the Arizona Senate race is cemented with Republican Kari Lake and Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Gallego is gaining the support of dozens of Republicans and independents.

The House Democrat said he has the support of 40 Republicans and independents across the state. The news comes as Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining similar traction with centrist Republicans in the state with Gallego saying at least 10 of those who have endorsed him have also endorsed Harris.

“This election is about more than political party. It’s about the values we share and the future we want for our kids. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. We’re building a better Arizona for us all,” Gallego posted on X.

Republican John Giles, the mayor of Mesa, which is the state’s third-largest city, endorsed Harris and Gallego. The Arizona Republic reported that he has been invited to the Democratic National Convention later this month. He called the Republican ticket, composed of former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), “the greatest threat to American values and institutions that I have seen in my lifetime.”

“I cannot in good conscience stand on the sidelines while extremists like Kari Lake, who have hijacked our party for the sake of personal gain, undermine the very fabric of what makes America exceptional,” he said.

One of the endorsements comes from Paul Hickman, former state director for the late Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, who has been on the receiving end of attacks from Lake.

“It pains me to see Kari Lake use our state as a political pawn, to the detriment of our business community,” Hickman wrote. “Like my former boss, Ruben has spent decades serving his country and state. And in the Senate, I trust that Ruben will work with those of different backgrounds to make compromises, not spectacles, and continue to always put Arizona first.”

Gallego and Harris are also endorsed by multiple border mayors from towns along the Arizona-Mexico border.

Lake has the endorsement of Trump and more than 20 sitting Senate Republicans including Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Josh Hawley (R-MO).