ARIZONA NEWS

Mark Kelly continues to lead Blake Masters in Arizona’s US Senate race

Nov 10, 2022, 8:14 PM | Updated: 9:34 pm

Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, left, and Republican challenger Blake Masters (Getty Images)...

Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, left, and Republican challenger Blake Masters (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly extended his lead over Republican challenger Blake Masters to 5.6 percentage points Thursday evening as more results were released in Arizona’s general election.

The incumbent had a 51.74%-46.13% advantage over Masters in results posted to the Arizona Secretary of State’s website around 8:45 p.m. Libertarian Marc Victor had 2.13%. Victor dropped out the race a week before Election Day, too late to be removed from the ballot, and threw his support behind Masters.

It remains to be seen if Masters can make up the gap, which was 114,894 votes, as ballot counting continues.

The seat is key piece in the battle for control of the Senate, which was divided 50-50 — giving Democrats control because they hold the White House — heading into the midterms.

Kelly has been fighting to hold on to the seat he won for Democrats two years ago, but he faced a vastly different political environment heading into Tuesday’s election against Masters.

The incumbent defeated Republican Martha McSally, who was appointed to the position in 2018 following the death of longtime Sen. John McCain.

Kelly’s campaign has largely focused on his support for abortion rights, protecting Social Security, lowering drug prices and ensuring a stable water supply in the midst of a drought, which has curtailed Arizona’s cut of Colorado River water.

He has presented himself as someone who can reach across the aisle and call out his own party if needed, as he has with President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Masters, who describes himself as an “America First conservative,” is a political newcomer and ally of billionaire investor Peter Thiel.

The Tucson native won Trump’s endorsement after claiming “Trump won in 2020.” Under pressure during a debate last month, he acknowledged he hasn’t seen evidence the election was rigged, but later doubled down on the false claim that Trump won.

Polling averages had Kelly comfortably ahead until the final days, when Masters closed the gap.

Since the term for McCain’s seat ends this year, Kelly or Masters will have a full six-year term as senator.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

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

Arizona News

Detectives are looking for the suspect in a fatal shooting at a Phoenix apartment complex....

Kevin Stone

Police seek suspect after fatal shooting at west Phoenix apartment complex

Detectives are trying to find a suspect after a fatal shooting over the weekend at a west Phoenix apartment complex.

1 hour ago

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend....

Kevin Stone

Man stabbed to death at bus stop near Arizona Capitol in Phoenix

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend, authorities said.

2 hours ago

Phoenix forecast rain...

Kevin Stone

Phoenix could see its heaviest rainfall in months later this week

The metro Phoenix forecast calls for a warm start to the week followed by a quick cooldown, with a good chance for the heaviest rainfall in months.

3 hours ago

Integrated Biometrics Chandler Arizona 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Integrated Biometrics expanding its Chandler research facility

Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits.

5 hours ago

arizona state parks and trails...

Lance Hartzler

Arizona State Parks and Trails fees to increase at more than 30 locations

Arizona State Parks and Trails is increasing fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for 33 locations to support park operations.

6 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

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.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Mark Kelly continues to lead Blake Masters in Arizona’s US Senate race