Independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema will not seek reelection

Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Senator Kyrsten Sinema shown here during a previous visit to Graham County, announced she will not seek re-election.

By Lexie Schapitl, Claudia Grisales, Ben Giles/NPR

PHOENIX – Independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema announced Tuesday that she will not seek reelection in November.

In a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Sinema cited the “anger and division” of politics today as one reason for her departure after a single term in the Senate. She highlighted bipartisan efforts she has undertaken to improve infrastructure, boost manufacturing, and create jobs, but said in today’s Senate, bipartisan efforts are “considered failures,” and “compromise is a dirty word.”

“I believe in my approach, but it’s not what America wants right now,” Sinema said. “I love Arizona, and I am so proud of what we’ve delivered. Because I choose civility, understanding, listening, (and) working together to get stuff done, I will leave the Senate at the end of this year.”

Arizona’s other Senator, Mark Kelly (D) released the following statement regarding Sinema’s decision.

“Over our three years of serving together, I’ve had a front-row seat to Senator Sinema’s work in the Senate and witnessed her tenacity as she forged compromises on issues that felt unsolvable. In a town where a lot of people are much happier talking about problems than doing anything to fix them, she’s pursued meaningful solutions, working with Republicans and Democrats to pass lasting legislation that makes a difference in the lives of Arizonans and all Americans.  

“We’ve worked together to accomplish bipartisan legislation on infrastructure, marriage equality, gun safety, and more that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for her being in that Senate seat.  

“I’ve valued our partnership and our friendship as we’ve worked together to deliver for the people of Arizona. I congratulate Senator Sinema on an extraordinary career in Congress. This institution will not be the same without her.” 

Sinema was first elected to Congress in 2012 as a Democratic representative serving Arizona’s 9th District and made history as the first openly bisexual member of Congress. She was elected to the Senate in 2018.

Her plans for 2024 were the subject of major speculation since her seat will be key to determining control of the Senate. Recent polling showed her in third place in the race behind Democrat Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake.

Sinema often found herself at odds with the more progressive wing of her party. She opposed raising taxes on the wealthy and ending the filibuster to make it easier for Democrats to pass legislation in the Senate. In 2022, she left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent.

Gallego, who mounted his own candidacy over a year ago shortly after Sinema’s split with the Democratic Party, thanked Sinema for her nearly two decades of service in Arizona politics – and also cast himself as an alternative candidate for the state’s many independent voters.

“Democrats, independents, and Republicans alike are coming together and rejecting Kari Lake and her dangerous positions,” Gallego said in a statement. “I welcome all Arizonans, including Senator Sinema, to join me in that mission.”

Lake, too, sought to capitalize on Sinema’s decision to forgo the race by playing up Sinema’s independent bonafides.

“Senator Sinema had the courage to stand tall against the Far-Left in defense of the filibuster—despite the overwhelming pressure from the radicals in her party like Ruben Gallego who called on her to burn it all down,” Lake posted on social media.

“Arizonans will not be fooled by Gallego. I will be a voice for ALL Arizonans,” Lake added.