Republican Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake didn’t hold back after her debate with Democratic opponent Ruben Gallego, accusing both Gallego and the media of “media malpractice.” Speaking to Newsmax anchor Greg Kelly, Lake passionately argued that the media is failing to properly vet candidates and inform voters, especially in relation to serious issues like drug trafficking and cartel influence in Arizona.
“We Are Losing an Entire Generation”
One of Lake’s central concerns is the issue of fentanyl trafficking, which she believes is a direct consequence of failed policies and Gallego’s own family history. “We are the final stop for fentanyl,” she told Kelly. “We are losing a generation of young people, and you should know better, Ruben.” Lake emphasized that Gallego’s family history, particularly his connection to a convicted drug trafficker, is relevant in a state grappling with cartel violence and a fentanyl crisis.
She slammed Gallego for “empowering cartels” through his political decisions, saying, “For you to continue to vote to empower cartels to bring in fentanyl, which is a weapon of mass destruction into our country… you’re making that be their reality.”
Media Malpractice and Why Lake Took Matters into Her Own Hands
One of the most controversial moments of the debate came when Lake raised Gallego’s family background, pointing out that his father was convicted of drug trafficking. She criticized the media for ignoring these details, which she believes are critical for voters to know, especially in a border state like Arizona.
“The media is committing malpractice by not telling people that his family has connections to the Mexican cartels who are wreaking havoc on our country, who now control our border,” she said. Lake’s frustration with the media’s silence pushed her to make this information public herself: “I had to do it. I had to tell people about it.”
“We Want to Know Everything About These Candidates”
Greg Kelly agreed with Lake’s stance, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing every aspect of a candidate’s background, particularly when the issue of cartel influence and drug trafficking is so prominent. “We want to know everything about these candidates,” Kelly said. He echoed Lake’s concerns, stating, “There’s something there, and he’s not talking about it, trying to ignore it, and it’s very disturbing, especially considering the situation we’re in with the cartels.”
Lake added that while she’s not blaming Gallego for his father’s actions, she believes voters deserve to know about it given the profound implications it has for Arizona’s future. “It’s not about blaming him for what his father did, but it should be scrutinized,” she said. “And we’re just believing what he’s saying, and the media isn’t even looking at what is there.”
“This Has to Get Out”
Kari Lake has made it clear that she’s willing to go where the mainstream media won’t. Her message is simple: in a state like Arizona, where the effects of cartel activity and drug trafficking are felt every day, voters deserve transparency. If the media won’t provide it, Lake will.
As the Senate race intensifies, Lake’s bold stance on these issues will likely resonate with voters looking for strong leadership in a crisis. “This has to get out,” Lake emphasized. “And the media won’t report it.”
WATCH: