Trump and Pence Endorsees Face Off in Heated Arizona Gubernatorial Primary

Two conservative Republicans—one endorsed by former president Donald Trump, the other by his erstwhile political ally and vice president Mike Pence—will battle it out in a hotly contested race for Arizona governor in the Aug. 2 primary.

Former television anchor and Trump-endorsed Kari Lake faces her most substantial direct challenge from Pence-endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson.

Scott Neely and Paola Tulliani Zen also are vying for the state’s top position soon to be vacated by current Gov. Doug Ducey in 2023 due to state term limits.

The winner will advance to the Nov. 8 general election.

Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs removes a mask as she speaks to members of Arizona’s Electoral College prior to them casting their votes in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 14, 2020. (Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo)

In the runup to the August primary, Lake continues to enjoy significant support from staunch Trump Republican voters and a campaign war chest of more than $1.5 million.

“Arizona is facing a number of significant challenges—rampant inflation, an uncontrolled border, explosive growth fueling a housing crisis, water, education, and more,” Lake told The Epoch Times in an email.

“It’s time for a transformative, visionary leader who won’t settle for the status quo. That’s why I’m running.”

Lake, 52, entered the race for governor after she left her job as an anchor at Fox 10 in Phoenix in March 2021 amid claims of unbalanced reporting.

With a celebrity-like status, Lake has been a vocal candidate throughout her campaign, addressing issues of election integrity, the southern border crisis, “cancel culture,” and progressive politics.

“For 27 years as the anchor for the leading nightly news program in our state, I have seen our problems grow bigger, and the proposed ‘solutions’ grow smaller,” Lake said.

Independent Voter Appeal

“Arizona, once the home of visionary

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