Ruben Gallego Elected First Latino US Senator from Arizona

Democrat Ruben Gallego has won the U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, defeating Republican Kari Lake by a margin of over 72,000 votes, securing 50% of the total votes against Lake's 47.8%. This victory is significant as it prevents Republicans from expanding their Senate majority, which will now stand at 53 seats. Gallego's win marks a continuation of Democratic successes in Arizona, a state that has shifted political tides since Trump's election in 2016. Despite Trump's endorsement, Lake's previous loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race and her failure to gain traction in polls contributed to her defeat. Gallego, a Harvard graduate and Iraq War veteran, will replace outgoing Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who chose not to seek reelection. His victory reflects a trend of voters supporting Democrats down-ballot even as they backed Trump at the top of the ticket.