US primaries: Key contests to look out for in Arizona

Arizona, a swing state, will be hosting multiple key contests in the primary elections on August 2, 2022. While the primary polls will be an intra-party showdown, the general elections in November are likely to decide the fate of the US Senate and House of Representatives for the next two years.

With the control of the US Congress hanging in balance, Arizona voters will pick their candidate in the primary elections.

Also Read: US primaries: What’s on the ballot in Arizona elections

Here are the key contests to look out for in the upcoming polls:

Katie Hobbs vs Marco Lopez (Democratic)

Katie Hobbs, who currently serves as the Secretary of State of Arizona, will be contesting for the top office of the state. While the 52-year-old may be the frontrunner in the Democratic primary, she is being challenged by a known politician from Arizona.  

Marco Lopez, the former mayor of Arizona’s Nogales, will be Hobbs’s key competition for the Democratic party nomination.

Kari Lake vs Karrin Taylor Robson (Republican)

Like the recent Maryland elections, former US President Donald Trump has launched another proxy battle in Arizona. Trump, who has often been at odds with outgoing Governor Doug Ducey, has endorsed Kari Lake. Ducey has picked Karrin Taylor Robson to be his successor.

Lake, a former Fox News anchor, has supported Trump’s “rigged elections” claims, while Taylor Robson has largely been a moderate Republican. The two will be contesting the primary elections for the Republican nomination for the governor’s office.

Also Read: Marc Short predicts Rep. Matt Gaetz will be in prison before 2024 elections

Mark Bronvich vs Jim Lamon vs Blake Masters

With only one US Senate seat up for grabs in Arizona, the primary election on the Republican side will be crowded. Early polls have suggested that there may be a close three-way race between Mark Bronvich, Jim Lamon and Blake Masters. The winner of the Republican ticket will meet incumbent Democrat Mark Kelly in the November elections.