PHOENIX – The Arizona Police Association endorsed former Republican President Donald Trump at a rally in Glendale on Friday and announced its support for Rep. Ruben Gallego, a U.S. Senate candidate from the opposing party, on Monday.
“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 supported Republican Kari Lake in her 2022 run for governor, but ignored her in this year’s Senate bid, choosing instead to support her Democratic opponent.
The union is backing a mix of Democrats and Republicans this election cycle, including Republican Rep. David Schweikert and former Democratic state Rep. Amish Shah, who are vying for the hotly contested seat in the state’s First Congressional District.
“As a Marine combat veteran, we know that Congressman Gallego understands the complexity of modern
“We must improve policing in today’s American society while considering public expectations,” Harris said in a statement Monday, noting that Gallego is sponsoring a bill in Congress to increase funding for law enforcement.
“APA does not take our support lightly; we know how important it is to have a U.S. Senator who can bring people together to improve society for all. We believe Congressman Gallego will be that U.S. Senator.”
Gallego welcomed the group’s support, adding that he supports “both practical reforms and increased resources” for the police.
“I am proud to support APA and look forward to working with them in the Senate to ensure Arizona law enforcement officers have the resources they need to combat fentanyl trafficking, train the next generation of police officers, and most importantly, keep Arizona families safe,” the Democrat said.
Meanwhile, Lake’s campaign told the Washington Post that she was a staunch supporter of law enforcement, while Gallego “demonized” law enforcement throughout his time in Congress.
“He supports open borders and is weak on crime. Kari Lake will always support Democrats and support law enforcement and safe communities,” a spokesperson for Lake told the Post after the announcement.
But when it comes to recommendations from Arizona’s law enforcement organizations, there is more than one sheriff in town.
Lake is endorsed by the Arizona Law Enforcement Association, the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs and the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association.
Gallego himself is also supported by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which also includes some police officers and other first responders.
