PHOENIX – On Friday, the Arizona Police Association endorsed Republican ex-prez Donald Trump at a rally in Glendale. By Monday, they announced their endorsement of Rep. Ruben Gallego, a US Senate candidate from the opposite party.
“On behalf of the Arizona Police Association, we are proud to welcome President Trump to the great state of Arizona,” the group’s president Justin Harris said at the former president’s rally.
The association backed Republican Kari Lake during her 2022 gubernatorial bid but snubbed her in this year’s Senate run, opting instead to support her Democratic opponent.
The union is endorsing a mix of Democrats and Republicans this cycle, like Republican Rep. David Schweikert and Democratic former state Rep. Amish Shah, who are competing in the state’s highly competitive First Congressional District seat.
“As a Marine combat veteran, we know Congressman Gallego understands the complexities of modern
policing in American society today, while at the same time recognizing the public’s expectations,” Harris said in a statement on Monday, noting that Gallego has supported legislation in Congress to boost funding for law enforcement.
“The APA does not take our endorsements lightly; we recognize the importance of having a U.S. Senator that can bring people together to improve society for all. We believe Congressman Gallego will be that U.S. Senator.”
Gallego welcomed the endorsement from the group, adding that he backs “both practical reforms and increased resources” for police.
“I am proud to have the APA’s support and look forward to working with them in the Senate to ensure Arizona’s law enforcement officers have the resources necessary to combat fentanyl trafficking, train the next generation of officers, and, above all, keep Arizona families safe,” the Democrat said.
Meanwhile, Lake’s campaign told The Post she is a staunch law enforcement supporter, while Gallego “vilified law enforcement” throughout his time in Congress.
“He supports open borders and is weak on crime. Kari Lake will always back the blue and support law enforcement and safe communities,” a Lake spokesman told The Post after the announcement.
But when it comes to endorsements from Arizona’s law enforcement orgs, there’s more than one sheriff in town.
Lake has the backing of the Arizona Law Enforcement Association, the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs, and the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association.
As for Gallego, he’s also endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which includes some law enforcement and other first responders under its umbrella.
