Sen. Mark Kelly, D-AZ, faces a challenge from venture capitalist Blake Masters for his Senate seat. This campaign marks Kelly’s first reelection bid after winning the seat in 2020’s special election.
Following the trends seen elsewhere in key Senate races, earlier this year it looked like the former astronaut would win easily. Now the two are within just a few points of each other heading into election day.
“It’s going to be a close race because of the analytics of the cycle, it’s a more Republican cycle than a Democratic cycle,” said Arizona political strategist and president of HigherGround Chuck Coughlin. He told Straight Arrow News Kelly has the edge.
“It’s clearly the economy, inflation, immigration are big issues in Arizona, but so is Mark’s reputation. He’s been an incumbent congressman, as you say, fighter pilot, astronaut, shuttle commander and married to a very popular figure in Arizona, and generally well liked. I suspect, at the end of the day, it will be enough,” Coughlin said.
The governorship of Arizona is also up for grabs in Arizona. Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is facing off against Republican and former television anchor Kari Lake. Coughlin said that race about getting people out to vote.
“Our data shows that Democrats are getting about 5% more Republicans voting for them than Democrats voting for Republicans. That’s a significant number in the cycle. And then that sort of leaves it up to unaffiliated voters,” Coughlin said.
Hobbs has been adamant in her refusal to participate in a debate ahead of election day. The Secretary of State recently claimed her opponent’s campaign is centered on “election denialism” as the reason for the decision, adding she doesn’t want to give Lake a “bigger stage” to share those views. Coughlin said the decision could have been the correct move, early on.
“It was an easy decision to make given Lake’s record,” Coughlin said. “Appearing in front of the media and saying something like, you know, why would I debate somebody that denies and wouldn’t certify the last election that wants to get rid of your right to vote early voting, and that denies any discussion about reproductive rights and wants a constitutional ban. And there’s nothing left to debate simply say that and walk away. The campaign chose not to do that they chose to talk about format, and some other things early on, and it prolonged the issue. And it’s created an issue where Mrs. Lake has used it to her advantage.”
