DEMS Sinema and Gallego Face Criticism in New NRSC Ad
The race for the Arizona Senate seat is heating up as the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) launched a new attack ad on Monday targeting Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).
The 30-second ad, titled "A Choice," labeled Gallego as "rotten Ruben Gallego," accusing him of abandoning his pregnant wife and marrying a Washington D.C. lobbyist. It then shifted its focus to Sinema, claiming she has voted in line with President Biden's agenda 100% of the time, including on progressive energy initiatives and the COVID-era American Rescue Plan.
"Deadbeat Dad, or liberal Democrat? Arizonans deserve a better choice," the ad concluded, aiming to sway voters in the upcoming election.
NRSC spokesperson Mike Berg did not hold back in his statement to Fox News Digital, calling Gallego's actions "a low-life move that really speaks to [his] character." Gallego divorced his wife, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, in 2016, and Politico reported that the couple currently shares joint custody of their 6-year-old son. In a joint statement at the time, the Gallegos announced their divorce and requested privacy.
The ad is just the beginning, according to Berg, as the NRSC plans to run more ads "exposing the truth" about Gallego until Election Day. The committee's internal polling suggests that Sinema, who has not announced whether she will run for re-election yet, currently draws more support from Republican voters than Democrats.
Sinema has not responded to requests for comment, and neither has Gallego. However, the latter's campaign has addressed the attack ad in a fundraising email, calling it "baseless" and a "deeply personal attack." They also suggested, "If attacks like these go unanswered, Kari Lake could get the edge on us," referring to the potential Republican candidate for the Arizona Senate seat.
It is not the first time Gallego's personal life has come under scrutiny, as his memoir chronicles his struggles with PTSD following his service in the Iraq War, which ultimately led to the end of his marriage. However, the NRSC is determined to use his past against him to gain an advantage in the race.
The stakes are high in Arizona's Senate seat race, as it could potentially shift the majority leadership in the upper chamber if a Republican is elected. And with Sinema drawing support from both sides, it is clear why the NRSC has chosen her as their target in their efforts to maintain a Republican majority.
This latest attack ad highlights the dirty tactics that are often used in political campaigns, as both parties fight to gain control of the Senate. But as the race for the Arizona Senate seat continues, it remains to be seen which candidate will come out on top and represent the people of Arizona in the upper chamber.