Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election

Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, known for her bipartisan deals that both advanced and hindered President Biden’s agenda, announced on Tuesday that she will not seek re-election. This decision comes after a year of speculation about her future in a politically competitive state.

Sinema, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, faced challenges in a three-way race for re-election as recent polling showed her trailing behind both Representative Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake, the favored Republican nominee endorsed by former President Donald J. Trump.

Her departure from the race sets up a more direct showdown between Gallego and Lake, with Republicans seeing an opportunity to flip the seat now that Sinema is not running. However, some analysts believe that Democrats may benefit from a more unified front without Sinema splitting the vote.

Throughout her tenure, Sinema maintained her committee seats and supported key parts of Biden’s agenda, but also clashed with Democratic leaders on major issues like tax increases and voting legislation. Her decision not to seek re-election effectively eliminates the last remaining Democratic senator opposed to changing the filibuster.

Sinema’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous term in Washington, where she often surprised colleagues with her actions and defied party expectations. Her decision not to run reflects her frustration with the current state of American politics and the lack of compromise.

As the battle for control of the Senate heats up, Sinema’s exit paves the way for a more traditional matchup between a Democrat and a Republican candidate in Arizona. The race is expected to be closely watched as both parties vie for control of the Senate.