The departure of the independent lawmaker from Arizona eliminates the possibility of a three-way contest in November.
Independent U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona announced on March 5 that she will not seek reelection for a second term, preventing a potential three-way race in November.
Ms. Sinema made her announcement on Super Tuesday after the Senate GOP blocked a bipartisan bill intended to fortify the southern border while delivering additional military aid to Israel and Ukraine.
In working to negotiate the bill, Ms. Sinema hoped to bridge the gap between two political parties that remain at odds during a contentious primary and general election season.
“The only political victories that matter these days are symbolic—attacking your opponents on cable news or social media. Compromise is a dirty word,” she said in a video on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“We’ve arrived at that crossroad. And we chose anger and division. I believe in my approach, but it’s not what America wants right now.”
Ms. Sinema frustrated some on the left when she announced in December 2022 that she was leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an independent. However, she continued to caucus with Democrats and did not affect their slim 51-49 majority in the Senate.
Her move to drop from the race also avoids what many foresaw as a likely three-person match in November, where Democrats were expected to run their own candidate alongside Ms. Sinema and whoever wins the GOP primary.
Rep. Ruben Gallego, who represents Arizona’s 3rd congressional district, is running for the Democrats.
Currently, former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake is fighting a primary with Sheriff Mark Lamb. Ms. Lake, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is leading the race.
With Ms. Sinema out, Mr. Gallego will likely face off against Ms. Lake in November.
During a White House press briefing on March 5, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reacted to Ms. Sinema’s decision to not seek reelection.
By Jacob Burg and Jackson Richman
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