Gov. Doug Ducey endorses Kari Lake, suggesting unity in Arizona GOP

Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey endorsed candidate Kari Lake to fill his position in the upcoming election this November despite previously supporting her rival in the primary.

"This is going to be an important election given the issues our state is facing and it's important for Arizona Republicans to unite behind our slate of candidates," Ducey tweeted on Saturday.

"As co-chairman of the Republican Governors Association, our organization is already active on the airwaves supporting Kari Lake's candidacy," he added. "Congratulations to Kari on a hard-fought victory and to all the candidates who will be carrying the GOP banner in November."

Ducey and former Vice President Mike Pence both supported lawyer Karrin Taylor Robson in last week's Arizona GOP governor's primary. The election became a showdown between the two Republicans and former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Lake.

A former television news reporter, Lake ultimately won with more than 47% of the vote while Taylor Robson received less than 44% of ballots, The Associated Press reported.

After the Arizona primary, Ducey said, "Republicans of all stripes have to work together to finish the job in November!"

Ducey and Lake have clashed on several occasions, and the current governor's support may signal unity within the Arizona Republican party. 

Last month, Ducey told CNN that Lake was "misleading voters with no evidence" about claims that the 2020 election was stolen. 

In June, Lake criticized Ducey for not doing more to secure the southern border as record numbers of illegal migrants are being encountered. She also called the governor a "RINO" and a "doormat to the Cartels" in a tweet last month.

Lake faces off this fall against Democrat Katie Hobbs, who is currently serving as Arizona's secretary of state.