Incumbent Arizona Senator Krysten Sinema announced on Tuesday through a video message that she will not be aiming for reelection.
Sinema was a Democrat, elected to the Senate in 2018. However, in the 2022 midterm elections, she left her party and registered as an independent.
She announced her departure with her former party on X: “In a natural extension of my service since I was first elected to Congress, I have joined the growing numbers of Arizonans who reject party politics by declaring my independence from the broken partisan system in Washington and formally registering as an Arizona Independent.”
Sinema’s views were often considered centrist, earning the ire of fellow members of the Democratic Party. She often voted against the advocacies of the left.
“The only political victories that matter these days are symbolic: attacking your opponents on cable news or social media. Compromise is a dirty word,” remarked Sinema in her message posted on X.
“I believe in my approach, but it’s not what America wants right now…because I chose civility, understanding, listening, and working together to get stuff done, I will leave the Senate at the end of this year.”
Reports noted that it would be difficult for the independent senator to clinch a second term as she had departed from the Democratic Party.
According to polls, Sinema is trailing behind Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and former local news anchor Kari Lake.
The Arizona senator served as one of three lead negotiators on the bipartisan national security bill, which aims to send billions of military aid to Ukraine and Israel. This bill failed to move forward, as Republicans pressed for more border security provisions, calling on the Biden administration to urgently address the border crisis.
Sinema exclaimed, “Partisanship won. The Senate has failed Arizona. Shameful,” Sinema remarked of the decision.”
By wearing colorful attire and wigs on the Senate floor, Sinema often attracts attention.
She also served in the US House of Representatives for six years and worked as a social worker and lawyer.
Candidates who intend to succeed Sinema, acknowledged her decision.
Gallego said on X, “I want to thank @SenatorSinema for her nearly two decades of service to our state.”
“It’s time Democrats, Independents, and Republicans come together and reject Kari Lake and her dangerous positions. For Arizona.”
“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,” remarked Lake.
“I will be a voice for ALL Arizonans. I wish Senator Sinema the best in her next chapter.”
