Former Vice President Mike Pence went against former President Donald Trump Monday by endorsing a different candidate in Arizona’s Republican gubernatorial primary — setting up a political brouhaha that could involve the erstwhile running mates holding dueling rallies Friday.
Karrin Taylor Robson said she was “honored” to have Pence’s backing in a series of posts on her Twitter account.
”He has been a warrior for the sanctity of Life; limited government; law & order; opportunity for all; & the knowledge that our freedoms are granted by God. I’m proud to have him on my team,” Robson said.
Robson, who is vying for the nomination against Trump-backed Kari Lake, also shared a statement from Pence on the social media site.
“As Arizona Democrats pursue the reckless Biden-Harris agenda, Karrin Taylor Robson is the only candidate for Governor that will keep Arizona’s border secure and streets safe, empower parents and create great schools, and promote conservative values,” Pence said.
The 45th president endorsed Lake, a former TV news anchor who has parroted Trump’s claims about the 2020 election being stolen, last September, saying “few can take on the Fake News Media like Kari.”
“She is strong on Crime, will protect our Border, Second Amendment, Military, and Vets, and will fight to restore Election Integrity (both past and future!),” he said in a statement.
Pence, whose relationship with Trump deteriorated after he bucked the former president and certified the 2020 Electoral College result in Congress on Jan. 6 of last year, is expected to headline a rally in Arizona for Robson on Friday.
Trump is also expected to campaign for Lake in the Grand Canyon State the same day — after postponing the event from July 16 because of the death of his ex-wife Ivana.
Trump and Pence, who could face off directly in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, were also at odds in the Georgia Republican gubernatorial race in May.
Pence endorsed incumbent Brian Kemp, who soundly defeated Trump’s handpicked challenger, former Sen. David Perdue.
Robson and Lake are running to succeed Gov. Doug Ducey, who is term-limited, in the Aug. 2 primary.
Lake is up by 8.5 percentage points in the race, according to a RealClear Politics average of candidate surveys.
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism