By Ronald J. Hansen || The Arizona Republic
Three Republican governors of Arizona endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters on Friday as the GOP contender tries to consolidate support within his party.
Gov. Doug Ducey and former governors Jan Brewer and Fife Symington declared their support in the race against Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., which is seen as critical to Republican hopes of retaking the Senate in November.
The trio of governors is expected to hold an event for Masters, perhaps as early as next week.
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“Blake’s just 36, and he’s already run a multi-billion dollar investment firm and helped young innovators found companies worth hundreds of billions of dollars,” Ducey said in a written statement. “He’s a Christian, husband, and father of three boys who actually understands what Arizona families need. And the guy is fearless against the threats we face today — threats to our economy, safety, and national sovereignty. Doesn’t that sound like someone who should be in the U.S. Senate? He has my full support.”
The backing from a two-term governor once viewed as a potential Senate candidate himself is a reminder of the bruising five-way Republican primary that largely revolved around the politics and personality of former President Donald Trump.
Ducey’s endorsement could help Masters consolidate support among any conservatives still apprehensive about him. Masters pulled away from his GOP rivals after receiving Trump’s endorsement in June and won the Republican nomination by 10 percentage points.
While Ducey focused his comments on what Masters brings to the race, Brewer, who was Ducey’s predecessor, largely highlighted what Republicans view as the stakes.
“Thanks to (President) Joe Biden and Mark Kelly, we have record inflation, supply chain problems, rising energy prices, and rampant crime and illegal immigration,” she said. “It will take bold, brave leadership to turn this ship around before it’s too late, and I see that in Blake Masters. Blake knows we need to change course immediately, and he has my endorsement.”
