During the 2022 election cycle, Kari Lake, the likely GOP nominee for governor in Arizona, has been subject to criticism for her frequent out-of-state travel. Her trips have drawn attention from former President Donald Trump, who reportedly expressed annoyance at her visits to his resort, Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Trump sees Lake as a key player in the high-stakes Senate race against Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego in the fall. While this particular Senate race may not be the most important this cycle, it carries significant weight for Republicans aiming to regain control of the chamber.
Despite criticism about her travel schedule, spokespeople for both Trump and Lake have defended her actions. A Trump spokesman praised Lake as a “Smart and Fearless Leader” who is expected to win in Arizona. Meanwhile, a senior advisor to Lake insists that she is running a strong campaign, despite her travel schedule.
However, during a recent appearance in Idaho, Lake appeared to backtrack on her stance against Arizona’s abortion law. This has raised concerns among her critics about her commitment to the race and her ability to effectively lead as governor if elected.
