Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema stunned her colleagues on Tuesday when she announced she would not run for re-election amid a brutal race.
The 47-year-old independent, who left the Democrats in 2022 and is a moderate in the Senate, warned in her farewell message that America is choosing “anger and division” over cooperation.
Sinema, the first openly bisexual member of Congress, competes in Ironman triathlons and grew up in a Mormon family.
She may have been a moderate and a thorn in the side of the Biden administration, but her colorful fashion sense and sometimes conservative views made her one of the most influential names on Capitol Hill.
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema stunned her colleagues on Tuesday when she announced she would not run for re-election amid a brutal race
The Independent, who left the Democrats in 2022 and was a moderate in the Senate, warned in her farewell message that America was choosing “anger and division” over cooperation
“I believe in my approach, but that is not what America wants right now,” she said in the video message, in which she revealed that she is retiring rather than seeking another term.
That means the Arizona Senate race will now be between Donald Trump supporter Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego.
Immediately following the news, Lake issued a statement praising Sinema for her “courage to stand up to the far left in defense of the filibuster – despite overwhelming pressure from radicals in her party like Ruben Gallego, who urged her to to burn it all down.'
She wished her well while criticizing her Democratic rival Gallego for voting “100 percent” for Biden, supporting sanctuary cities and defunding the police.
“Arizonans will not be fooled by Gallego. “I will be a voice for ALL Arizonans,” she continued.
Sinema's departure from the expected three-way race makes the election in Arizona a little less contentious.
Lake and Gallego had been waiting with bated breath to find out whether Sinema would run in their highly anticipated race.
Whoever wins in November could have a major impact on the Senate as Republicans work to regain control and Democrats try to defend their slim majority.
In a video announcing her intention to retire, Sinema said she was determined to deliver results despite the government's ongoing dysfunction.
“In 2017, I warned that we were approaching a crossroads, our democracy weakened by government dysfunction and the constant extreme voting of both political parties,” she said in the surprise Super Tuesday video.
“I promised to do my best to fix the problem, protect and defend our Constitution, listen to others without judgment, focus on what unites us, and improve the lives of Americans.”
“Through listening, understanding and compromise, we deliver tangible results that make America safer, stronger and more prosperous.”
“Even though we are modernizing our infrastructure, ensuring clean water, recording well and making communities safer, Americans continue to retreat further into their partisan corners.”
“These solutions are considered failures, either because they are too much or not nearly enough.”
“It's all or nothing, the outcome is less important than beating the other guy.” The only political victories that matter these days are symbolic and attacks on your opponents on cable news or social media. Compromise is a dirty word.
“We have come to this crossroads. And we chose anger and division,” she added.
“I love Arizona and am so proud of what we delivered.”
“Because I choose civility, understanding, listening and working together to get things done, I will be leaving the Senate at the end of this year.”
As a journalist, I have reported on Kyrsten Sinema for many years. We may not agree on everything, but I know she shares my love for Arizona.
Senator Sinema had the courage to stand up to the far left in defense of the filibuster despite overwhelming pressure from radicals…
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) March 5, 2024
She may have been a moderate and a thorn in the side of the Biden administration, but her colorful fashion sense and sometimes conservative views made her one of the biggest names on Capitol Hill. The yellow dress she wore to the 2023 State of the Union was one of her most talked-about outfits
Sinema, the first openly bisexual member of Congress, competes in Ironman triathlons and grew up in a Mormon family
“I believe in my approach, but that is not what America wants right now,” she said in the video message, in which she revealed that she is retiring rather than seeking another term
“Throughout my career, I have shown how government can work for ordinary people.”
“Partnering with Senator Rob Portman and eight other bipartisan senators.” Our historic infrastructure legislation brought Arizonans better broadband, new roads and bridges, cleaner air and water, and more job opportunities.
“Together with Senator Todd Young, we are saving the Chip and Science Act from party collapse. Now America and Arizona can lead the way in semiconductor manufacturing, and our country will be safer and more secure.”
Gallego, who would have been her election opponent, praised Sinema for her work and attacked the Republicans.
“I want to thank Senator Sinema for her nearly two decades of service to our state.”
“As we look forward, Arizona is at a crossroads. Protecting access to abortion, improving housing affordability, securing our water supply, defending our democracy – all of this and more is at stake.
“That is why Democrats, independents and Republicans alike are coming together and rejecting Kari Lake and her dangerous positions. “I welcome all Arizonans, including Senator Sinema, to join me in this mission.”