By Elizabeth Troutman |

Arizona Sen. Krysten Sinema’s decision not to run for re-election is “a political earthquake [that] has rocked Arizona, the likes of which we haven’t seen in recent history,” according to U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Lamb. Sinema, a former Democrat who switched to Independent, announced her decision on March 5. 

“I love Arizona and I am so proud of what we’ve delivered,” Sinema said in a video posted to social media. “Because I choose civility, understanding, listening, working together to get stuff done, I will leave the Senate at the end of this year.”

Lamb said with Senator Sinema out of the race, the focus is now on the Republican Primary.

“My experience and ability to pick up support from conservative Independents and Democrats in the general election separate me from the Republican field,” he said. 

Lamb currently serves as Pinal County Sheriff. If he wins the primary, he will take on Democrat Ruben Gallego, who currently serves as the U.S. representative for Arizona’s 3rd congressional district. 

“It’s now a two-person race in the general election, between Democrat Ruben Gallego and the eventual Republican nominee,” Lamb said. 

“The focus has moved to the Republican primary, where Republicans get their chance to nominate who they think is the most qualified person for the job and who is best able to defeat Gallego and win the general election,” Lamb continued. 

The Republican primary is far from over, Lamb argued. 

“It’s going to be a spirited contest and it has now taken on renewed interest and sense of urgency,” Lamb said. “Bottom line, Arizonans do not need outsiders selecting our candidates.”

Polls show Lamb as the strongest Republican candidate, he said, pointing to a Noble Predictive Insights Survey showing him beating Gallego by 10 points or more. 

Lamb called for a series of debates with the other leading Republican candidate, Kari Lake. 

“Voters deserve to hear and see their candidates front and center on the issues,” Lamb said.

Elizabeth Troutman is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send her news tips using this link.