Trump-backed Lake, Hamadeh, Masters face critical primaries in Arizona

Two of former President Donald Trump's top surrogates face critical primary contests on Tuesday evening as they hope to secure the Republican nominations in Arizona's key House and Senate races.

Kari Lake, the GOP's former 2022 gubernatorial nominee, has emerged as the heavy favorite to win the Senate primary and will likely face Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., who does not face a significant challenge for his party's Senate nomination.

Lake is primarily facing Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb for the party nod. A longstanding supporter of Trump, she has the support of both the former president, as well as Senate Republican leadership. The National Republican Senatorial Committee threw its support behind her in February.

On the House side, Abe Hamadeh is locked in a bitter struggle with Blake Masters. The pair previously ran alongside Lake in the 2022 midterms, with Hamadeh seeking the state attorney general post and Masters hoping to represent the state in the Senate. None of the trio won their contests in that cycle.

Hamadeh and Masters are vying to replace Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., who is not seeking reelection. Trump backed Hamadeh in December of last year, but subsequently issued a joint endorsement of Hamadeh and Masters over the weekend. Lesko, for her part, has backed state House Speaker Ben Toma.

"Blake Masters is a very successful businessman, and an incredibly strong supporter of our Movement to Make America Great Again - He is smart and tough! Likewise, Abe Hamadeh, a Veteran, former prosecutor, and fearless fighter for Election Integrity, has been with me all the way!" Trump posted on Truth Social.
 
"In Congress, we need a true Warrior who will work tirelessly with us to Grow our Economy, Stop Inflation, Secure our Border, End Migrant Crime, Support our Great Military/Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment - They will both be spectacular, and I’m pleased to announce that both Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh have my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congressman of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District — THEY WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!" he concluded.