Kari Lake shared a video message on social media Wednesday night, claiming she was once again unfairly denied victory in an election. She accused Arizona’s political establishment of doing everything in its power to block a MAGA-aligned candidate like her from gaining influence.
Lake, the Trump-endorsed candidate in the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial race, was at the center of controversy after an election plagued by technical issues. Reports indicated that 60% of voting machines in Maricopa County malfunctioned, causing hours-long delays and potentially deterring voters. Additional concerns were raised about alleged problems with ballot chain of custody and signature verification, which fueled accusations of bias. At the time, her opponent, Katie Hobbs, served as Arizona’s Secretary of State, overseeing the election process.
More recently, Stephen Richer, the Maricopa County Recorder, filed a defamation lawsuit against Lake. Richer, a vocal critic of MAGA candidates and a reported Democratic voter, was accused by Lake of actively undermining her and other Trump-aligned Republicans.
Lake’s efforts to overturn her 2022 gubernatorial loss included claims of intentional misconduct involving voting machines, but the Arizona Supreme Court recently rejected her appeal. She has now shifted her focus to her defeat in the 2024 Senate race, where she trails Democrat Ruben Gallego by nearly 80,000 votes with more than 98% of ballots counted.
Her supporters have raised questions about the Senate race results, pointing to her early polling lead and the Republican Party’s successes in other Arizona races. They allege irregularities, including last-minute ballot surges and issues in counties like Pima and Cochise. Criticism has also been directed at national Republican leaders for not adequately supporting her campaign, while Democrats heavily invested in Gallego.
Despite these setbacks, Lake remains resolute in her political ambitions. In her video message, she reflected on her journey, expressed gratitude to her supporters, and shared optimism for the future under Donald Trump’s leadership and a Republican-controlled Congress. Below is the transcript of her message:
Transcript
Kari Lake:
Hi, Arizona. Kari Lake here.
For 30 years, you trusted me to bring the news into your homes and tell you the truth. About three years ago, I walked away from a seven-figure contract in the fake news industry because I couldn’t lie to you. What good is money if it comes at the cost of your soul? I was sickened spreading the government’s COVID narrative. One day, as I sat at my desk, I opened the Bible, and an old verse gave me the courage I needed to walk away.
I thought that decision would end my time in the public eye, but to my surprise—and my eternal gratitude—the people of Arizona rose up and asked me to run for political office. The journey we’ve shared over the past few years has been once in a lifetime. It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
They threw everything at us: fake news, hundreds of millions of dollars, and the most vile attacks. Through it all, you never wavered, and I can’t thank you enough for that. It was a movement of love—for family, for Arizona, and for America—and I’m so grateful to all of you who joined me in it.
Arizona is a special place, and I’m thankful that President Trump and a Republican majority in both chambers of Congress will be in office to help protect us. As I watch his cabinet forming, I take great comfort in knowing that America will be made great again. And that’s good because that’s what the American people deserve.
You deserve a secure border, a prosperous economy, safe streets, and free and fair elections. I know that this administration will fight to deliver that for you.
As for me, I can say for certain that truth will never stop mattering to me. You will never stop mattering to me. These memories we’ve made together will never go away.
Lake’s message highlights her determination to remain a key figure in Republican politics and her steadfast belief in the values she shares with her supporters. While her recent losses have been controversial, she continues to focus on her vision for Arizona and the country.
Following Kari Lake’s political journey over the past three and a half years has been an incredible honor and privilege. It’s been truly inspiring to witness her growth and unwavering dedication.
Lake is a standout leader—someone who embodies the rare qualities of a once-in-a-generation figure. Arizona is fortunate to have a leader so devoted to championing America First principles and values.
While her next steps are not yet clear, many are confident her future holds exciting opportunities. There is growing hope that she might play a key role in Donald Trump’s cabinet, where her bold and fearless leadership could leave a lasting impact.