Hobbs Wins Arizona's Governors Race, But We've Not Heard The Last of Lake

Arizona's Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs has defeated former local TV news anchor and Republican standard bearer Kari Lake in the gubernatorial race. 

Nearly a week after election day, with 97% of the ballots cast, Hobbs narrowly defeated Lake by just over 20,000 votes (50.4% to 49.6%). 

To be very frank, I am surprised that Hobbs prevailed after refusing to debate Lake. I thought Hobbs' decision was disastrous, drew the wrong kind of attention to herself and could threaten to overshadow Lake's election denialism. I will say that had Hobbs debated Lake, I believe it would not have taken her almost a week to win the race. 

With that said, I'm glad Hobbs won. Lake is a certifiable loon or at least plays one on TV. However authentically kooky Lake is, if Hobbs runs for re-election in 2026 then I don't see how she can be unwilling to defend her record and avoid a debate. The fact that she won office without the benefit of a debate might give her reason not to debate in four years time. 

Of course, I do not expect Lake nor her supporters to accept this result with grace and humility. Given the audits of the 2020 election in Arizona, I expect the same to happen in this race. 

However, Lake does have another chance at seeking elected office in 2024 when Kyrsten Sinema is up for re-election in the Senate. Democrats have shown frustration with Sinema and a primary challenge is very likely. With a divided Democratic Party, Lake would have a chance to win a Senate seat and in so doing give Republicans back control of the Senate in two years time. 

But Lake and the MAGAverse are going to trumpet the stolen election theme and may create mischief and possibly mayhem when Hobbs is sworn into office on January 2, 2023.