Former Vice President Mike Pence on Monday endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson in the GOP gubernatorial primary.
The endorsement puts Pence at odds with former President Donald Trump, who endorsed candidate Kari Lake early in the competition.
According to Pence, Taylor Robson, who has been backed by the National Border Patrol Council, is the “only candidate for Governor that will keep Arizona’s border secure and streets safe.”
“As Arizona Democrats pursue the reckless Biden-Harris agenda, Karrin Taylor Robson is the only candidate for Governor that will keep Arizona’s border secure and streets safe, empower parents and create great schools, and promote conservative values,” Vice President Pence said in a statement. “Karrin is the best choice for Arizona’s future, and I am proud to support her.”
Recent polling has demonstrated that the competition is close between Taylor Robson and Lake.
In addition to Pence, Taylor Robson has racked up a string of endorsements over the previous weeks: Governor Doug Ducey, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, the National Trooper Association, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
“Mike Pence has been a warrior for the conservative values we hold most dear: the sanctity of Life; limited government; law and order; opportunity for all; vigorous defense of the 2nd Amendment; and the knowledge that our freedoms are granted by God,” Taylor Robson responded. “Modern politics is full of charlatans and fakes, but Vice President Pence is the genuine article. He has never wavered in his conservative beliefs and commitment to our Constitution, and left a rock-solid legacy as Governor to which I will aspire.”
Pence’s opposition to the Trump-endorsed candidate mirrors the Georgia gubernatorial race. Trump supported GOP challenger David Perdue, while Pence backed incumbent Brian Kemp. Kemp defeated Perdue handily.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mike Pence” by Gage Skidmore CC2.0 and “Karrin Taylor Robson” is by Karrin Taylor Robson.
