Kyrsten Sinema won’t run for Senate again
Senator Kyrsten Sinema Announces Retirement from Senate
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D., Ariz.) walks to an elevator outside the Senate Chamber during a vote on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., May 19, 2022. REUTERS/Tom Brenner/File Photo
Breaking news: Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I., Ariz.) has made a surprising announcement today. She will not be seeking reelection to the Senate in November.
Sinema, who has dedicated her career to serving Arizona in various state and federal offices since 2005, shared a heartfelt video on X, expressing her concerns about the growing partisan divide in America. She emphasized her approach of unity and collaboration, which she believes is not aligned with the current desires of the nation.
In the video, Sinema stated, “I love Arizona, and I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished. However, because I prioritize civility, understanding, and working together to achieve results, I have decided to leave the Senate at the end of this year.”
As a first-term senator, Sinema made headlines in 2022 when she left the Democratic Party to become an independent. She referred to a warning she issued in 2017 about America reaching a critical “crossroads” of dysfunction and partisanship.
Sinema lamented, “Despite our efforts to modernize infrastructure, ensure clean water, create jobs, and promote safer communities, Americans continue to retreat into their partisan corners. Symbolic victories and attacking opponents on media platforms seem to be the only measures of success. Compromise has become a dirty word. We have arrived at that crossroad, and unfortunately, anger and division have prevailed.”
Throughout her tenure, Sinema highlighted the bipartisan bills she helped pass, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act, among others.
“These solutions have a real impact on the lives of everyday Americans, and this is how government should function,” she emphasized. ”Serving Arizona for the past 20 years has been an incredible honor. Thank you.”
Sinema’s retirement sets the stage for a two-person race in Arizona’s Senate fight. The presumptive major-party nominees are Rep. Ruben Gallego (D., Ariz.) and Kari Lake, who previously won the Republican nomination for the state’s 2022 gubernatorial race but lost to Gov. Katie Hobbs (D.).
Reacting to Sinema’s decision, National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman Steve Daines expressed optimism about Republicans’ chances of winning her seat in November.
Daines stated, “An open seat in Arizona presents a unique opportunity for Republicans to secure a lasting Senate majority this November. Recent polling indicates that Kyrsten Sinema attracts more Republican voters than Democratic voters. Her retirement improves Kari Lake’s chances of flipping this seat.”
According to reports, Daines shared during an October 2023 meeting that internal polling showed Gallego leading Lake by 4 points, but Sinema was drawing more votes away from Lake than from Gallego.
In January, the Washington Free Beacon filed a motion to unseal the records of Gallego’s 2017 divorce. The sealing of these records is unusual, and Gallego has publicly acknowledged the significance of his divorce in his political journey, discussing it in at least one interview since announcing his Senate run. Gallego has argued that the public interest in the records is minimal.
Sinema is the second moderate senator to announce retirement from the Senate. Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) made a similar decision in November 2023, sparking speculation about a potential presidential run with the centrist group No Labels. However, he clarified in February that he will not be seeking the presidency in November.
How might Senator Sinema’s retirement affect the future direction of the Democratic Party in Arizona?
Zed. “Unfortunately, the current political climate does not prioritize compromise and working across the aisle. It is time for change, and I hope that my departure from the Senate will inspire others to prioritize collaboration and finding common ground.”
Senator Sinema’s announcement comes as a surprise to many, as she has been a prominent figure in Arizona politics and was expected to seek reelection. Her decision to step down has raised questions about the future of the Senate and the direction of the Democratic Party in Arizona.
Many of Sinema’s colleagues expressed their respect and admiration for her work in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) stated, “Senator Sinema has been a dedicated public servant and a voice of reason in Washington. Her commitment to finding bipartisan solutions and working across party lines will be sorely missed.”
Republicans in Arizona have also acknowledged Sinema’s contributions to the state. Senator Mark Kelly (D., Ariz.) said, “Kyrsten has been a tireless advocate for the people of Arizona, and her presence in the Senate will be deeply missed. We may have our differences, but I have always respected her commitment to serving our state.”
As speculation arises about potential candidates to fill Sinema’s seat, political analysts are closely watching the impact her retirement will have on the balance of power in the Senate. With the recent shift in Sinema’s political affiliation and her reputation as a centrist, her absence may have repercussions for both Democrats and Republicans in Arizona.
Only time will tell what lies ahead for Senator Sinema and the future of Arizona politics. But one thing is certain, her announcement has sparked a conversation about the importance of working together and finding common ground in a divided nation.
Sinema concluded her video message by saying, “I am optimistic that the next generation of leaders will rise to the challenge of uniting our country and putting the needs of the American people above partisan politics. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve Arizona, and I look forward to continuing to work towards a more united and prosperous future.”
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