Even with the Arizona Police having recently endorsed former President Donald Trump, they’ve nevertheless decided to back an outspokenly pro-cop Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego for Senate in a move that has taken many observers by surprise.
“Congressman Gallego has continually fought for robust, increased funding for America’s Law Enforcement, and specifically Arizona Law enforcement,” the APA said in a statement Monday, arguing that Gallego helped secure $168 billion in “direct support of police officers so that they have the personnel and equipment needed.”
The endorsement of Gallego in the gubernatorial primaries is significant considering that not too long ago, APA had endorsed Lake’s candidacy almost one week earlier, endorsing Trump for president.
APA President Justin Harris highlighted Gallego’s credentials. “As a Marine combat veteran, we know Congressman Gallego understands the complexities of modern policing in American society today, while at the same time recognizing the public’s expectations,” he said.
In a written release, Gallego reciprocated his thanks by saying: “As a Marine combat veteran, we know Congressman Gallego understands the complexities of modern policing in American society today, while at the same time recognizing the public’s expectations,” APA President Justin Harris said in a statement posted to X.
“I am proud to have the APA’s support and look forward to working with them in the Senate to ensure Arizona’s law enforcement officers have the resources necessary to combat fentanyl trafficking, train the next generation of officers, and, above all, keep Arizona families safe,” Gallego said in a statement attached to the APA release.
But this endorsement follows scrutiny of Gallego’s record on police issues. A report from the Arizona Sun Times recently noted Gallego’s opposition to banning specific police weapons and curbing their access to military surplus.
The report also highlighted a series of tweets from Gallego that voiced support for the Black Lives Matter movement after George Floyd was killed in 2020.
Gallego also said in a single post, “These protesters are not the bad guy,” and that, rather, “the bad guys were behind police line.”
On the anniversary of Floyd’s death, he once again pointed to police reform — especially for Black communities — as a policy goal: “Signing major reforms into law & transforming the culture of law enforcement remains a matter of life & death, especially for Black communities,” the Arizona lawmaker said in a separate post on the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death. “We cannot stop fighting for racial justice.”
Lake’s campaign hit back hard at the APA action saying public safety is a main focus in her camp. A Lake spokesperson told Fox News Digital that “Ruben Gallego spent his time in Congress supporting defunding the police and demonizing law enforcement.”
In the statement, issued Tuesday, APA President Maria Oquendo and CEO Arthur Evans Jr., PhD defended their endorsement of Gallego by noting he supports “pro-hospital gun violence prevention policies endorsed by leading public health organizations” such as The Invest to Protect Act (S 2673) and Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act.
“The APA does not take our endorsements lightly; we recognize the importance of having a U.S. senator that can bring people together to improve society for all,” he added. “We believe Congressman Gallego will be that U.S. Senator.”
