(WASHINGTON) — Arizona’s Kyrsten Sinema announced Tuesday that she is not running for reelection and will leave the Senate at the end of the year.
Sinema was elected in 2018 as a Democrat but left the party to become an independent in 2022.
In her video announcement, Sinema touted her bipartisan approach but said Americans have chosen to “retreat further to their partisan corners.”
“I believe in my approach. But it’s not what America wants right now,” she said, adding: “Because I choose civility, understanding, listening, working together to get stuff done I will leave the Senate at the end of this year.”
A message for Arizonans from Senator Kyrsten Sinema pic.twitter.com/1XWFSWgGdh
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) March 5, 2024
Sinema, who hadn’t announced her 2024 plans, was being challenged on the left by Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and on the right by Republican Kari Lake.
Gallego released a statement Tuesday thanking Sinema for her years representing Arizona though quickly turned his attention to Lake.
“As we look ahead, Arizona is at a crossroads. Protecting abortion access, tackling housing affordability, securing our water supply, defending our democracy — all of this and more is on the line,” Gallego said. “That’s 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 that mission.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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