Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona threw a curveball into the 2024 U.S. Senate race, announcing she will not seek a second term. Sinema, who broke ranks with the Democratic Party to become an independent last year, laid out the rationale behind her decision in a video statement."I believe in my approach. But it's not what America wants right now. I love Arizona and I am so proud of what we’ve delivered. Because I choose civility, understanding, listening, working together to get stuff done, I will leave the Senate at the end of this year." she said, according to 12news.com.
Her move comes after lackluster fundraising efforts and a notable shortfall in voter signatures required to secure a spot on the ballot. With an April 1 deadline approaching, Sinema had not taken meaningful steps, toward gathering the more than 43,000 signatures necessary for her candidacy. In a three-way hypothetical matchup, she consistently placed third behind Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake, setting the stage for an uphill battle. Sinema's departure clears the way for a head-to-head matchup between Gallego and Lake, the latter having endorsements from Donald Trump and several sitting Republican senators, as reported by 12news.com.
Throughout her term, Sinema has positioned herself as a centrist, at times supporting bipartisan efforts, while also blocking progressive policies favored by her former Democratic colleagues. According to U.S. News & World Report, her approach aimed to mirror that of the late Senator John McCain, appealing to Arizona's moderate electorate. However, Sinema's political strategy has left her without a clear-cut base, as she's increasingly distanced herself from the Democratic Party.
Despite her contentious stance, particularly on issues like maintaining the Senate filibuster and her resistance to raising taxes on wealthy investors, Sinema leaves behind a trail of legislative successes. These include contributions to a significant infrastructure package, gun law, and protection for same-sex marriages. "I like people who are willing to reach across the aisle and get things done," Republican Senator Susan Collins said about Sinema, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Though her future plans remain undisclosed, there is speculation around what Sinema will do next. Her career in politics began as an anti-war activist and evolved over time to a legislator prioritizing pragmatism over partisanship. The decision not to run offers Sinema a variety of post-political career opportunities, that could capitalize on her experience and credentials. "I can go on any board I want to. I can be a college president. I can do anything," Sinema mentioned to Senator Mitt Romney's biographer McKay Coppins last year.
