Republican candidate, Kari Lake, and Democratic candidate, Representative Ruben Gallego, took part in a televised debate on Oct. 9, 2024, following Krysten Sinema’s retirement announcement. This debate is viewable on C-SPAN, for viewers to see the candidates discuss issues prevalent in Arizona voters’ minds. Immigration and abortion quickly became the main focus of the debate, as both candidates addressed their stances on each issue and proposed solutions. As a swing state, Arizona is one of several states that will be crucial in determining the party controlling Congress.
Gallego is a state legislator, veteran, and has served five terms in Congress. He challenges Lake, a former news presenter, who lost the 2022 election for Arizona governor and is a vocal Donald Trump supporter. Kari Lake has been endorsed by former President Trump, however, recent polls from 538 show a significant lead in voter approval for Gallego
Immigration was an especially charged topic, as Gallego is the son of immigrants and Lake is known for her firm stance on tightening border control. The Democratic candidate shared his ideas for increased funding for border patrol agents and mentioned previous bipartisan bills passed with his assistance regarding immigration. Lake noted her safety concerns stemming from immigrants and vocalized her support to finish the border wall, built during former President Trump’s presidency. She also accused Gallego of supporting an open border and voting against border security. When questioned about his stance, Gallego responded that he did not support an open border. Gallego notably brought up the topic of Dreamers, which are undocumented minors who immigrated into America. Lake said she opposed their presence and brought up her concerns with crime and drugs from immigrants, proposing plans to restrict the entrance of immigrants and fund mass deportations. The sense of urgency surrounding immigration has risen with Americans, especially with states on the border, with both candidates acknowledging the need for changes in the immigration system.
Abortion was also an intense topic between the candidates. Gallego pledged during C-SPAN’s broadcast to maintain abortion rights and leave decisions up to women and their healthcare providers. Lake has notably changed her stance on abortion this year, from advocating for abortion bans and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, to a more vague position. Although Lake has said she doesn’t support a federal abortion ban, she suggested that many cases of abortions are unnecessary.
Topics like abortion and immigration weren’t the only approach from the candidates, both directed personal attacks towards their opponent according to C-SPAN’s recordings. Lake accused Gallego of opposing attempts to stem the flow of immigrants, saying that Gallego “sided with the cartels every step of the way”. He returned fire by saying that Lake has no applicable knowledge of the borders and instead chose to spend her time at Trump’s Florida Resort, Mar-a-Lago. Gallego brought up Lake’s continued rhetoric of a tampered election. Countless more criticisms of the opposing candidates were made throughout the debate, leaving viewers to make a final decision on who to vote for this November.
Publicized debates between politicians play an important role in viewer information, especially in today’s tense political environment. Each candidate aimed to win over undecided Republicans and third-party voters, which are exceptionally significant in deciding which party holds control over Congress. The weeks following the debate will be key in each candidates’ campaign to garner support in the upcoming election.
