Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Senator Kyrsten Sinema shown here during a previous visit to Graham County, announced she will not seek re-election.
Staff Reports
PHOENIX – On Tuesday, Senator Kyrsten Sinema announced she will not seek reelection in November.
Sinema released her announcement in a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. She cited the “anger and division” of politics as a reason for leaving the Senate after just a single term. During the video, she highlighted the bipartisan efforts to improve infrastructure, boost manufacturing, and create jobs, but said there is no place for a bipartisan politician in today’s Senate.
“I believe in my approach, but it’s not what America wants right now,” Sinema said. “I love Arizona, and I am so proud of what we’ve delivered. Because I choose civility, understanding, listening, (and) working together to get stuff done, I will leave the Senate at the end of this year.”
Arizona’s other Senator, Mark Kelly (D) released the following statement regarding Sinema’s decision.
“Over our three years of serving together, I’ve had a front-row seat to Senator Sinema’s work in the Senate and witnessed her tenacity as she forged compromises on issues that felt unsolvable. In a town where a lot of people are much happier talking about problems than doing anything to fix them, she’s pursued meaningful solutions, working with Republicans and Democrats to pass lasting legislation that makes a difference in the lives of Arizonans and all Americans.
“We’ve worked together to accomplish bipartisan legislation on infrastructure, marriage equality, gun safety, and more that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for her being in that Senate seat.
“I’ve valued our partnership and our friendship as we’ve worked together to deliver for the people of Arizona. I congratulate Senator Sinema on an extraordinary career in Congress. This institution will not be the same without her.”
Sinema switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Independent after butting heads with progressive liberal members of the Democrat Party. Polling showed Sinema trailed both Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake for the Senate seat up for election this year.
Both Gallego and Lake issued statements shortly after Sinema’s announcement.
“Democrats, independents, and Republicans alike are coming together and rejecting Kari Lake and her dangerous positions,” Gallego said in a statement. “I welcome all Arizonans, including Senator Sinema, to join me in that mission.”
“Senator Sinema had the courage to stand tall against the Far-Left in defense of the filibuster—despite the overwhelming pressure from the radicals in her party like Ruben Gallego who called on her to burn it all down,” Lake posted on social media.
“Arizonans will not be fooled by Gallego. I will be a voice for ALL Arizonans,” Lake added.
