PHOENIX, AZ. – Former Arizona gubernatorial hopeful Karrin Taylor Robson endorsed her one-time rival Kari Lake in her Senate bid Wednesday — in an energizing display of Republican unity in the crucial swing state.
Robson — who ran against Lake in one of the most brutal gubernatorial primary campaigns in the state’s history last cycle — endorsed Lake and former President Donald Trump through her Political Action Committee, Arizona PAC.
“Senate nominee Kari Lake, our congressional nominees, and the winners of GOP legislative primaries across the state have my full endorsement,” Robson said.
“When President Trump wins the presidency again in November, we must send him a Republican majority in Congress and the US Senate to end Kamala-flation, stop the massive growth of the Federal government, and end the illegal immigration crisis once and for all,” she continued.
“So, I am also urging my supporters, and all Arizona Republicans, to vote for Donald Trump, Kari Lake and the full Republican ticket in November.”
Robson is a former member of the state Board of Regents, and the founder and president of Arizona Strategies. She is also the wife of real estate billionaire Ed Robson.
Lake used the endorsement as a moment to tout party unity, as her former opponent still holds significant influence among the traditional wing of the state’s Republican Party.
“I am so honored to have the endorsement of [Karrin Taylor Robson],” Lake tweeted. “She’s an accomplished businesswoman, a strong leader, and a fearless advocate for Republican values. Let there be no doubt that [Arizona Republican Party] is the most unified it’s ever been.”
During the 2022 gubernatorial primary, Lake was seen as the populist candidate whereas Robson was seen as the center-right pick.
Lake was backed by former President Trump while Robson was endorsed by outgoing Gov. Doug Ducey and former Vice President Mike Pence.
The endorsement shows a significant pivot in rhetoric, as Lake dubbed the fellow Republican a “Ducey-clone RINO” and even “Doug Ducey in a dress” in 2022.
During the debate, Robson repeatedly referred to the former FOX 10 Phoenix anchor as “Fake Lake.”
Lake won the primary with 48% of the vote. Robson was close behind with 43% of the vote.
Lake eventually lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs in the general election. However, speculation is swirling that Robson is eyeing the governor’s office again in 2026, as she’s been a fierce critic of the first-term Democrat.
As for Lake, she will face off against Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego in November in what’s expected to be one of the highest races in the nation and could determine control of the United States Senate.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb ran against the Republican this time around but she’s considered leading with 55% to his 39% as of Wednesday afternoon.
The seat was left open after Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema announced she would not pursue a second term.