The Arizona Police Association (APA) made waves with their recent endorsement of liberal Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego in Arizona’s U.S. Senate race, despite his controversial history on law enforcement issues and the APA’s previous support of former President Donald Trump.
The APA stated that Gallego has consistently fought for increased funding for law enforcement, securing $168 billion in direct support for police officers. This endorsement comes as a surprise, considering the organization had previously endorsed Kari Lake for governor and Trump for president.
APA President Justin Harris praised Gallego’s understanding of modern policing and commitment to keeping Arizona families safe. Gallego expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized his dedication to providing resources for law enforcement.
However, Gallego’s record on police issues has faced scrutiny, with reports highlighting his calls for restrictions on police use of certain weapons and efforts to limit access to military gear for police departments. He has also shown support for Black Lives Matter and advocated for racial justice in law enforcement.
Lake’s campaign criticized the APA’s decision, citing Gallego’s past support for defunding the police and alleged weakness on crime. Despite this, the APA stands by their endorsement, citing Gallego’s support for key legislation benefiting law enforcement.
Gallego’s spokesperson directed inquiries to his statement in the APA release, while the APA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The endorsement adds an interesting dynamic to the Senate race, with Gallego and Lake set to face off in a battle for the seat.
For more updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews, visit the Fox News Digital election hub.
