Arizonans vote for Democratic governor, Republican treasurer
The race for Arizona governor has been called in favor of current Arizona Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who suddenly took a one-point lead over Trump-backed Republican Kari Lake a week after election day. At the same time, Arizonans voted overwhelmingly for Republican Kimberly Yee for state treasurer. Yee beat Democratic challenger Martin Quezada by 11 points.
As Secretary of State, Hobbs is the state’s Chief Elections Officer, and has been overseeing the election despite calls that she recuse herself out of conflict of interest. Hobbs will certify her own victory by canvassing the results.
While Lake campaigned in every Arizona county, Hobbs did not find it necessary to hit the campaign trail and, to the surprise of even the mainstream media, refused to debate Lake.
Arizona has been the center of election drama this midterm election. Immediately upon the polls opening on election day, 20% of the tabulation machines in Maricopa County malfunctioned, almost entirely in Republican areas. Lake herself traveled to a liberal area to vote so she would be assured of a working voting machine.
Arizona has also sparked an outcry by taking over a week to count votes, while election officials continuously assured voters it was normal. Lake remained in the lead throughout the week until Hobbs suddenly surged ahead Monday night with 93% of the votes in.
Prolonged vote counting overwhelming favors Democrats, while Republicans typically see victory where votes are counted promptly.
Republicans had made modest gains in the 48 hours from Tuesday morning, including a sweeping red victory in Florida where votes are counted the same day.
By Thursday, key races were beginning to call overwhelmingly for Democrats. Democrat Tina Kotek beat Republican Christine Drazan for the Oregon governorship. On Saturday, Democrat Catherine Cortez Mastro beat Republican Adam Laxalt in the Nevada Senate race, wiping out the Republican’s lead from the day before. Also Saturday, Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp beat Republican Joe Kemp for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. Also Saturday, Democrat Mark Kelly beat Republican challenger Blake Masters for Arizona Senate. On Sunday, Democrat Josh Shapiro beat Republican Doug Mastriano for Pennsylvania governorship.
Democrats have so far won 20 of the 36 House races called late or still uncalled, while Republicans have won 10. Democrats are projected to win six more, resulting in a Democratic landslide in 72% of races which were counted late.
