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On Saturday, fundraising efforts will be launched for Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) as his Senate campaign against Kari Lake escalates, as confirmed by Gallego’s campaign to The Hill.
A number of influential contributors who supported the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and outgoing Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) will host this event, highlighting Gallego’s appeal to centrist voters. Politico was the first to report on this fundraiser.
In the race, both Gallego and Lake have sought to attract moderate voters, although Lake faces challenges stemming from her contentious 2022 gubernatorial campaign and her close ties to former President Trump.
During that election, Lake infamously told Republicans who supported McCain to “get the hell out” and rejected the centrist approach. She also promoted unfounded claims of 2020 election fraud and asserted that her election defeat was not legitimate.
Gallego has sought to distance himself from his progressive roots, allowing his membership in the Congressional Progressive Caucus to lapse in favor of courting mainstream Democrats and moderates in the statewide contest.
Arizona is anticipated to be one of the most competitive Senate races in the nation, as Democrats aim to maintain their slim majority in the Senate.
This fundraiser could enhance Gallego’s financial edge over Lake. At the end of the first quarter, his campaign reported $9.6 million in cash reserves, while Lake had $2.5 million. Since the race began, Gallego has significantly outpaced Lake in fundraising, securing $20.5 million compared to her $5.6 million.
Gallego is already investing in campaign efforts, recently announcing a $19 million advertising blitz, while Lake has revealed a $10 million ad purchase on Monday. Currently, Gallego holds a 4.1 percentage point advantage over Lake in The Hill/Decision Desk HQ polling average.
