Leaked memo details unorthodox path to reelection for Sen. Kyrsten Sinema
At public events, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema won’t say whether she’s running for reelection – she’s focused on legislating, she’ll say, not campaigning. But a leaked memo reveals that, behind the scenes, the independent senator is charting an unorthodox path to victory in 2024.
NBC News published Sept. 25 a two-page document that declares “Kyrsten Will Win Arizona.” The memo pitches Sinema as a favorable alternative to “extremists” nominees from the Republican and Democratic parties. The memo claims she’ll have broad appeal among Arizona’s many independent voters.
But she’s also banking on attracting more GOP voters — about 25% to 35% of registered Republicans — than Democrats — about 10% to 20%. That’s despite the fact that Sinema was a Democrat for a decade in Congress before abandoning the party in December.
“If the parties nominate extremists, as expected, Kyrsten will win a majority of IND, at least a third of REP and a percentage of DEM voters — making her the first Independent to win a three-way statewide race in American history,” the memo states.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is the lone Republican to declare his candidacy in the race, though failed gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake is rumored to be considering entering the fray. Congressman Ruben Gallego is widely expected to earn the Democratic nomination in the race.
A spokesperson for Sinema told NBC News that the senator remains undecided about running for re-election. But they also boasted that Sinema’s been actively fundraising, and has over $10 million cash on hand if she chooses to enter the race.
