Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake expressed regret in a recent interview that Arizona’s century-old abortion ban was not being enforced by the state’s Democratic leadership. She mentioned that the Arizona Supreme Court had ruled on the law but the current leaders are not enforcing it, calling it “political theater.” Lake stated that many people wish the law was being enforced, indicating a shift from her previous public opposition to the law.
Lake’s comments came as a surprise considering her previous stance on the 1864 law. As a candidate for governor in 2022, she praised the law in a podcast interview after Roe v. Wade was overturned, expressing excitement about Arizona’s law coming into effect. However, as a Senate candidate, Lake has changed her position on the abortion ban. She came out against the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling and called for a common-sense solution from the state’s leaders.
Following the ruling, Lake released a video explaining her stance on the abortion law. She criticized the total ban and advocated for exceptions in cases of rape and incest. Lake actively lobbied state lawmakers to overturn the law, showing a clear shift from her previous support of it. Despite acknowledging a shift in her stance, Lake maintained that she is still pro-life.
Lake’s change in position on the abortion law has drawn criticism from anti-abortion advocates. Steve Deace, a conservative talk show host, expressed disappointment with Lake’s reversal on the issue and suggested that she is unrecognizable from her previous self as a candidate for governor. Lake’s previous support for the abortion ban has now become a point of contention in her campaign for the Senate.
Lake is currently considered the front-runner for the Republican nomination to succeed retiring independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a race that could be crucial in determining control of the Senate in the upcoming year. Her likely general election opponent, US Rep. Ruben Gallego, has criticized Lake for flip-flopping on the abortion issue for political gain. Gallego accused Lake of changing her position due to public outrage and noted that her shifting stance raises questions about her credibility and trustworthiness as a candidate.
