Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema surprised her colleagues Tuesday by announcing she will not run for re-election ahead of what would have been a brutal race.
The 47-year-old independent, who defected from the Democrats in 2022 and was a moderate in the Senate, warned in her farewell message that the United States is choosing “anger and division” instead of working together.
Sinema, the first openly bisexual member of Congress, competes in Ironman triathlons and grew up in a Mormon family.
She may have been a moderate and a thorn in the side of the Biden administration, but her colorful fashion sense and sometimes conservative views made her one of the influential names on Capitol Hill.
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema surprised her colleagues Tuesday by announcing she will not run for re-election ahead of what would have been a brutal race.
The Independent, who defected from the Democrats in 2022 and was a moderate in the Senate, warned in her farewell message that the United States is choosing “anger and division” rather than working together.
“I believe in my approach, but it is not what the United States wants right now,” he said in the video message revealing that he was stepping down rather than seeking another term.
It means the Arizona Senate race will now be between Donald Trump loyalist Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego.
“In 2017, I warned that we were approaching a crossroads, our democracy was weakened by government dysfunction and constant choices to the extremes by both political parties,” he said.
‘I promised I would do everything I could to fix it, protect and defend our Constitution, listen to others without judgment, focus on what unites us, and improve the lives of Americans.
‘Through listening, understanding and engagement, we achieve tangible results that make America safer, stronger and more prosperous.
‘Yet, despite modernizing our infrastructure, ensuring clean water, offering good vaccines and safer communities, Americans are still choosing to retreat further into their partisan corners.
‘These solutions are considered failures, either because they are too much or because they are not enough.
‘It’s all or nothing, the result is less important than beating the other. The only political victories that matter these days are symbolic: attacking your opponents on cable news or social media. Commitment is a bad word.
‘We have reached that crossroads. And we choose anger and divisions,” he added.
‘I love Arizona and I am very proud of what we have accomplished.
‘Because I choose civility, understanding, listening and working together to get things done, I will be leaving the Senate at the end of this year.
‘Throughout my career, I have shown how government can work for everyday people.
She may have been a moderate and a thorn in the side of the Biden administration, but her colorful fashion sense and sometimes conservative views made her one of the biggest names on Capitol Hill. The yellow dress she wore at the State of the Union 2023 was one of her most talked about outfits
Sinema, the first openly bisexual congresswoman, competes in Ironman triathlons and grew up in a Mormon family
“I believe in my approach, but it is not what the United States wants right now,” he said in the video message revealing that he was stepping down rather than seeking another term.
‘In partnership with Senator Rob Portman and eight other bipartisan senators. Our historic infrastructure laws gave Arizonans better broadband, new roads and bridges, cleaner air and water, and more job opportunities.
‘By partnering with Senator Todd Young, we saved the chips and science law from partisan collapse. “Now the United States and Arizona can lead the way in semiconductor manufacturing, and our country is safer and more secure.”
Gallego, who would have been her electoral opponent, praised Sinema for her work and attacked Republicans.
‘I want to thank Senator Sinema for her nearly two decades of service to our state.
‘Looking ahead, Arizona is at a crossroads. Protecting access to abortion, addressing housing affordability, securing our water supply, defending our democracy – all of this and more is at stake.
‘That’s why Democrats, independents and Republicans alike are coming together and rejecting Kari Lake and her dangerous positions. “I welcome all Arizonans, including Senator Sinema, to join me in that mission.”