Senator Kyrsten Sinema announces she is NOT running for re-election in Arizona shock move

Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema stunned colleagues on Tuesday by announcing she won't run for re-election ahead of what would have been a brutal race.

The 47-year-old Independent, who defected from the Democrats in 2022 and is a moderate in the Senate, warned that America is choosing 'anger and division' rather than working together in her farewell message. 

Sinema, the first openly bisexual member of Congress, competes in Ironman triathlons and grew up in a Mormon family.

She may have been a moderate and a thorn in the Biden administration's side, but her colorful fashion sense and sometimes conservative views made her one of the influential names in on Capitol Hill. 

Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema stunned colleagues on Tuesday by announcing she won't run for re-election ahead of what would have been a brutal race 

The Independent, who defected from the Democrats and 2022 and was a moderate in the Senate, warned America is choosing 'anger and division' rather than working together in her farewell message

'I believe in my approach, but it's not what America wants right now,' she said in the video message revealing she was retiring instead of seeking another term.

It means the Arizona Senate race will now be between Donald Trump loyalist Kari Lake, who lost a bid in 2022 to become the state's governor, and Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego.

Lake praised Sinema for her 'courage to stand tall against the Far-Left in defense of the filibuster—despite the overwhelming pressure from the radicals in her party like Ruben Gallego who called on her to burn it all down.'

She wished her well while bashing her Democrat rival Gallego for voting '100 percent' with Biden and for supporting sanctuary cities and defunding the police.

'Arizonans will not be fooled by Gallego. I will be a voice for ALL Arizonans,' she continued. 

Sinema's departure from the anticipated three-way race makes the Arizona election slightly less contentious. 

Lake and Gallego had been waiting with bated breath to find out whether Sinema would enter their closely-watched race.

Whoever wins in November could significantly shape the Senate, as Republicans are working to gain back control and Democrats are trying to defend their slim majority. 

National Republican Senatorial Chairman (NRSC) Steve Daines of Montana said Tuesday that the open seat in Arizona now creates a 'unique opportunity' for Republicans to build a 'lasting Senate majority.'

He referenced recent polling in the state showing that Sinema is pulling 'far more Republican voters than Democrat voters.'

Daines is confident that her decision to retire improves Kari Lake’s opportunity to flip the seat red.

In a video announcing her intention to retire, Sinema said she was dedicated to delivering results despite ongoing government dysfunction.

'In 2017, I warned we were approaching a crossroads, our democracy was weakened by government dysfunction and the constant poll to the extremes by both political parties,' she said in the surprise video on Super Tuesday.

'I promised I would do my best to fix it, to protect and defend our Constitution, to listen to others without judging to focus on what unites us, and to make Americans lives better. 

'Through listening, understanding and compromise, we deliver tangible results that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

'Yet despite modernizing our infrastructure, ensuring clean water, delivering good shots and safer communities, Americans still choose to retreat farther to their partisan corners. 

'These solutions are considered failures, either because they're too much or not nearly enough. 

'It's all or nothing, the outcome less important than beating the other guy. The only political victories that matter these days are symbolic, attacking your opponents on cable news or social media. Compromise is a dirty word.

'We've arrived at that crossroad. And we chose anger and divisions,' she added.

'I love Arizona, and I am so proud of what we've delivered. 

'Because I choose civility, understanding, listening, working together to get stuff done, I will leave the Senate at the end of this year. 

She may have been a moderate and a thorn in the Biden administration's side, but her colorful fashion sense and sometimes conservative views made her one of the biggest names in on Capitol Hill. The yellow dress she wore to the 2023 State of the Union was one of her most talked-about outfits 

Sinema, the first openly bisexual member of Congress, competes in Ironman triathlons and grew up in a Mormon family

'I believe in my approach, but it's not what America wants right now', she said in the video message revealing she was retiring instead of seeking another term

'Over my career, I've shown how government can work for everyday people. 

'Partnering with Senator Rob Portman and eight other bipartisan senators. Our historic infrastructure laws gave Arizonans better broadband, new roads and bridges, cleaner air and water and more job opportunities. 

'Teaming up with Senator Todd Young, we save the chips and science law from partisan collapse. Now America and Arizona can lead the way in semiconductor manufacturing, and our country is safer and more secure.' 

Gallego, who would have been her election opponent, praised Sinema for her work and attacked Republicans.

'I want to thank Senator Sinema for her nearly two decades of service to our state. 

'As we look ahead, Arizona is at a crossroads. Protecting abortion access, tackling housing affordability, securing our water supply, defending our democracy — all of this and more is on the line. 

'That’s why Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike are coming together and rejecting Kari Lake and her dangerous positions. I welcome all Arizonans, including Senator Sinema, to join me in that mission.'

Meanwhile, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chair Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan said that his organization will be working 'tirelessly' to elect Gallego. 

He slammed Lake as a 'power hungry liar who has shown she will do or say anything to advance her own ambitions at Arizonans’ expense.'