ARIZONA NEWS

Republican US Senate hopeful Mark Lamb ‘isn’t surprised’ Kari Lake is skipping primary debate

Jun 12, 2024, 7:46 AM | Updated: 8:28 am

Republican senatorial primary debate: Kari Lake won't take part...

It looks like Kari Lake won't debate Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb ahead of the primary election on July 30. (Photos via Kari Lake and Sheriff Mark Lamb's Facebook pages)

(Photos via Kari Lake and Sheriff Mark Lamb's Facebook pages)

PHOENIX — There will be no Republican senatorial primary debate between Kari Lake and Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb.

The debate would have given Republicans the chance to compare their candidates ahead of the July 30 primary election.

Lamb said Lake’s decision not to take part in the debate robs voters of the opportunity to compare their candidates.

“I think it’s disrespectful to the people,” Lamb told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos on Tuesday.

The Arizona Clean Elections GOP primary debate is scheduled for June 26. A lesser-known third candidate, Elizabeth Jean Reye, hasn’t yet said if she’ll participate.

Update on Republican senatorial primary debate in Arizona

Lamb said he had been looking forward to showing voters how he differs from Lake in terms of experience.

“A lot of the things we believe in are the same things,” he said. “I think what a debate would do is really show the difference, the vast difference, in experience that I bring to the table.”

That experience covers working with border issues, managing and balancing a budget, as well as working with crime and fentanyl, he said.

“These are all issues that I can see why she wouldn’t why to debate me,” Lamb said. “That would really highlight the stark difference between the two candidates.”

Lamb and Lake are aiming for the seat currently held by independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who isn’t seeking reelection.

The GOP nominee will face U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, the only Democratic candidate, in the Nov. 5 general election.

Securing a Republican senator would help protect Arizona’s border, economy and crime, he added.

“Arizona, we have an opportunity to take this seat back for the Republican party, and I think really get people who are gonna protect our border, fight crime, really get the economy back,” he said.

The Biden administration isn’t effectively solving these issues, Lamb added.

“We owe it to the people of Arizona to get out and say, ‘Here’s who I am, here’s what I bring to the table, here’s what I believe in,’ and give them the opportunity to really vet us,” Lamb said. “The stakes are so high.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people i...

Bailey Leasure

Suspects’ car crashes while fleeing police-involved shooting in Phoenix

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people injured.

3 hours ago

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix Tuesday, authorities said....

Bailey Leasure

North Phoenix collision leaves 1 woman dead, another hospitalized

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

4 hours ago

Collision in Peoria...

Danny Shapiro

2 dead in Peoria collision; speed, impairment possible factors

Two people, an 86-year-old woman and 90-year-old man, died after a collision in Peoria on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

4 hours ago

One man has died and another is in critical condition after a shooting in west Phoenix on Tuesday, ...

Bailey Leasure

1 dead, 1 hospitalized after west Phoenix shooting

One man has died and another is in critical condition after a shooting in west Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

5 hours ago

Health care for prisoners in Arizona...

Associated Press

Lawyers for inmates ask judge to take over health care services in Arizona prisons

Lawyers for 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona have asked a judge to take over health care operations in state-run prisons and appoint an official to run them, saying the state is not capable of fixing deep failures in care even though it has been required to do so over the last decade.

6 hours ago

...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Republican US Senate hopeful Mark Lamb ‘isn’t surprised’ Kari Lake is skipping primary debate