Ouch: Trump-Backing Police Union Endorses Kari Lake’s Democratic Opponent

AP Photo/David Goldman

Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Arizona, Kari Lake , was snubbed on Monday by the Arizona Police Association, which endorsed former President Donald Trump just days before.

Arizona Police Association President Justin Harris spoke at Trump’s rally in Glendale, Arizona last week and warmly embraced the former president. The decision by Harris to endorse Lake’s general election opponent, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), is even more stunning as the Arizona Police Association backed Lake in her failed 2022 bid for governor.

“Today, the Arizona Police Association (APA), the largest police/public safety association in the state, representing thousands of active law enforcement officers, proudly announces its endorsement of Representative Ruben Gallego to represent Arizona in the United States Senate,” wrote APA in a statement, adding:

Congressman Gallego has continually fought for robust, increased funding for America’s Law Enforcement, and specifically Arizona Law Enforcement, securing over $168,000,000,000 (BILLION) in direct support of police officers so that they have the personnel and equipment needed to both protect themselves and keep their communities safe.

Harris also added, “As a Marine combat veteran, we know Congressman Gallego understands the complexities of modern policing in American society today, while at the same time recognizing the public’s expectations.”

“The APA does not take our endorsements lightly; we recognize the importance of having a U.S. Senator that can bring people together to improve society for all. We believe Congressman Gallego will be that U.S. Senator.” There is no doubt that in the past few years law enforcement has had its challenges in our relationship with the communities we serve. Congressman Gallego believes only with our communities and police working together can we achieve our common goals. The Arizona Police Association and I are committed to working together to achieve our shared top priority – keeping all Arizonans and their families safe.

The statement concluded with a quote from Gallego addressing fentanyl trafficking across the southern border, an issue Lake has long accused Democrats of being weak on:

Together, we have taken meaningful steps towards both practical reforms and increased resources – with both community and officer safety as our number one goal. I am proud to have the APA’s support and look forward to working with them in the Senate to ensure Arizona’s law enforcement officers have the resources necessary to combat fentanyl trafficking, train the next generation of officers, and, above all, keep Arizona families safe.

Read the full statement here .