Democratic candidate Katie Hobbs has defeated Republican contender Kari Lake in Arizona’s governor’s election.
The outcome is a rebuke of Ms. Lake, who spread the false claim that Donald Trump won the 2020 US presidential election.
Ms. Hobbs stated in her victory speech that, “in this time of division,” she would work for all state residents.
Ms. Lake appeared to imply that the outcome was incorrect and that some of her votes were not counted.
Elsewhere, after nearly a week of voting, the race for control of the House of Representatives remains close.
To claim a majority in the House of Representatives, the Republicans must win at least 218 seats, a possibility that has diminished dramatically.
Currently, the party has won 215 seats, while the Democrats have won 211, according to CBS News’ projections.
Ms. Hobbs called for unity, stating that she would work for those Arizonans who did not vote for her in a midterm election that further highlighted the country’s stark partisan divisions.
She stated, “Even in this moment of division, I believe there is so much more that unites us.
Her opponent, Ms. Lake, who was backed by Mr. Trump, stated to the BBC during the campaign that the former president should not have to run again in 2024 because “he won the last election.” She anticipated that he would “return with a vengeance.”
There is no indication of electoral fraud in 2020.
Ms. Lake joins the number of prominent Trump-backed election skeptics who fell last week following her defeat. At least 125 election deniers have won races for the House, Senate, and governorships.
In the midterm elections, all seats in the House of Representatives and one-third of those in the Senate are up for election.
The Biden administration feared a loss of congressional control would halt the president’s agenda. Nevertheless, the Democrats retained control of the Senate, and the House has not yet been called.
President Biden stated on Monday that if the two parties split control of Washington, the Democrats will “maintain our positions” but voters should not “expect much of anything”
Mr. Biden told reporters in Indonesia, where he is attending the G20 summit, that the results have “sent a very strong message around the world that the United States is ready to play” and will continue to be “fully engaged in the world.
He emphasized that election denial, political violence, and voter intimidation were “strongly rejected.” However, he cautioned that without a majority in the House, the Democrats would be unable to pass legislation codifying abortion rights, a top desire for liberal voters.
The majority of the 11 uncalled House elections are in western and southwestern states, notably California and Arizona.
Newly elected members of Congress, including the first representative from Generation Z and the first out-gay Republican, have begun to arrive in Washington for orientation.
Histories indicate that the party possessing the White House typically loses seats in midterm elections, and the Democrats’ performance this year is the greatest for a sitting party in at least twenty years.
This has jeopardized the leadership ambitions of the top Republicans in the Senate and House ahead of Tuesday’s party elections.
According to reports, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who intends to succeed Nancy Pelosi as Speaker in the next Congress, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell are both scrambling to gain support among their colleagues.
In recent days, party divisions have been on full display as former President Donald Trump, who has been partially blamed for the dismal showing, prepares to launch a new presidential campaign later this week.
Mo Brooks, a Republican representative from Alabama and a former ardent supporter of Mr. Trump, stated that it would be a “terrible mistake” if the former president was the party’s nominee in 2024.
“Donald Trump has demonstrated dishonesty, disloyalty, incompetence, crudeness, and a multitude of other traits that have alienated so many independents and Republicans. Even a candidate campaigning from their basement could defeat him “Mr. Brooks disclosed to AL.com.
