Arizona Republican Party Chairman Jeff DeWit tendered his resignation on Wednesday following the public release of a recording in which he seemingly encouraged fellow Republican Kari Lake to abstain from the 2024 election for the state’s U.S. Senate seat.
The recording surfaced just days ahead of a fundraising event featuring former President Donald Trump, scheduled to headline for the state party. Simultaneously, thousands of party activists were gearing up for an annual meeting aimed at shaping the party’s trajectory. The disclosure of the recording, coupled with DeWit’s resignation, poses significant hurdles for a state Republican Party grappling with the aftermath of several challenging election losses. The political landscape in Arizona, a pivotal swing state, carries potential ramifications for both the 2024 presidential race and the Senate majority.
In the released recording, made public on Tuesday, DeWit is heard advising Lake, who previously lost the gubernatorial election in Arizona in 2022 and has been a prominent surrogate for Trump in the current election cycle. DeWit suggests that she consider running for governor again in 2026, seemingly discouraging her Senate bid for 2024.
DeWit’s remarks in the recording include references to influential figures who wish to prevent Lake’s candidacy, with a mention of financial support to dissuade her from entering the race. The intricacies of the conversation raise questions about the internal dynamics within the state Republican Party and its efforts to navigate future elections.