Arizona police union endorses progressive Democrat in tight Senate race.
Arizona Police Association backs Democratic Senator candidate Ruben Gallego despite earlier support for Kari Lake for governor.
The Arizona Police Association (APA) surprised many by supporting liberal Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego in Arizona's U.S. Senate race, even though Gallego has a history of being controversial on law enforcement issues and the APA also backed former President Donald Trump.
"The APA stated on Monday that Congressman Gallego has consistently advocated for increased funding for America's Law Enforcement, particularly for Arizona Law enforcement, and has helped secure $168 billion in direct support for police officers to ensure they have the necessary personnel and equipment."
Despite endorsing Kari Lake for governor in the previous election cycle and announcing its support for Trump in the presidential race just days ago, the organization has now decided to back the Democrat over Lake in the upcoming election.
Justin Harris, APA President, stated that Congressman Gallego comprehends the intricacies of contemporary law enforcement in American society while also acknowledging the public's demands.
Gallego expressed his pride in having the APA's support and is excited to collaborate with them in the Senate to enhance the resources of Arizona's law enforcement officers in combating fentanyl trafficking, training the next generation of officers, and ensuring the safety of Arizona families.
Gallego's police record has been scrutinized, with an Arizona Sun Times report last week revealing his statements and actions on law enforcement.
In one case, Gallego advocated for limitations on police officers' use of specific weapons due to their lack of proficiency in handling them safely. Additionally, he publicly shared his efforts to limit police departments' access to military equipment on social media.
Gallego's social media posts in support of Black Lives Matter were detailed in the report, including one where he stated that protesters were not the bad guys and that the police were the ones responsible for the violence.
"The Arizona lawmaker emphasized the importance of enacting major reforms and changing the culture of law enforcement in a post commemorating the one-year anniversary of Floyd's death. "This fight for racial justice is a matter of life and death, particularly for Black communities," the lawmaker stated."
Lake's campaign in Arizona has criticized the APA's decision, with public safety being a key issue in the race.
"Kari Lake, a candidate for governor, will always back the blue and support law enforcement and safe communities, while Ruben Gallego, a former congressman, supported defunding the police and vilified law enforcement while in office. Gallego also supports open borders and is weak on crime."
The APA endorsed Gallego due to his advocacy for laws such as the Invest to Protect Act and the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act.
""We recognize the significance of having a U.S. senator who can unite individuals to enhance society for everyone, and we believe Congressman Gallego will be that senator," he stated."
A spokesperson for Gallego directed Planet Chronicle Digital to the lawmaker's statement in the APA release. The APA did not respond to a Planet Chronicle Digital request for comment.
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