NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland — Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake made the case for a masculine resurgence in Washington, D.C., Saturday, helmed by former President Donald Trump if he is elected back into the Oval Office in November.
Speaking to a crowd at the American Conservative Union’s 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference, Lake remarked, “I like a strong man.”
“We’re tired of the beta men,” she said, “and we got a No. 1 alpha man in Donald J. Trump.”
According to Lake, who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, former President Ronald Reagan inspired her to become a Republican, and years later, Trump would similarly motivate her to get involved in politics.
While Lake delivered an objectively pro-Trump speech, she notably held back on some topics that could prove divisive or off-putting to centrists and independents. The Senate candidate didn’t harp on the 2020 election results, instead looking forward, to what she called “an American revival.”
She told the crowd at CPAC that “Donald J. Trump and Senator Kari Lake” are prepared to fight for the American people “back east” in the nation’s capital.
But Lake encouraged those listening and watching to welcome people into the movement. “We’ve got to do everything we can to get all Americans on board,” she said. “Are you willing to welcome independents?”
“Are you willing to welcome disaffected Democrats who don’t recognize their party?” she asked.
She further claimed Republicans need to “heal” divides within the party, quoting former President Abraham Lincoln, saying, “A house divided cannot stand.”
Speaking to those who want secure borders, a strong economy, and “peace and prosperity,” she said, “We welcome you into the America First movement with open arms.”
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The Arizona Senate race is one of the most competitive races in the country, rated a “Toss Up” by the Cook Political Report. It’s also considered one of the top pick-up opportunities for Senate Republicans.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), who switched from the Democratic Party to an Independent in 2022, has not announced whether she will run for reelection. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has instead launched a Democratic bid for the seat. The election is expected to be close, and a last-minute reelection run by Sinema additionally has the potential to spoil the race for one party or the other.