Arizona GOP Chair Resigns

Amidst controversy surrounding a leaked audio recording, Arizona GOP Chair Jeff DeWit resigned on Wednesday, where he appeared to be trying to dissuade former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake from running for Senate.

DeWit, who had held the position since January 2023, stated in a release that Lake’s team had given him an ultimatum: either resign immediately or face the release of a more damaging recording. Concerned about the potential risks, DeWit chose to resign.

DeWit argued that the recording, initially reported by the Daily Mail, was selectively edited and taken out of context. He clarified that his remarks in the recording were part of his duty as party chair to evaluate and improve the viability of GOP candidates.

In the recording, DeWit seemingly inquired about Lake’s price to stay out of politics for two years, but Lake resisted, affirming her commitment to the Senate race and rejecting any attempts at influence. While the authenticity of the recording has not been independently verified by POLITICO, DeWit chose to step down as requested by Lake, hoping for a cessation of attacks to allow him to return to the business sector.

Kari Lake, a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, is currently running for the GOP nomination for the Senate in Arizona. Her previous bid for governor in 2022 was unsuccessful. Lake, known for her hard-charging conservative approach, embraced conspiracy theories and criticized fellow Republicans during her gubernatorial campaign.

At Trump’s New Hampshire victory party on Tuesday, Lake called for DeWit’s resignation, stating that the party can’t have someone corrupt and compromised leading it. She is expected to face Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego in the Senate race, while incumbent Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema has not confirmed whether she will run for reelection.