Democrat Ruben Gallego Headlines L.A. Fundraiser For Arizona U.S. Senate Campaign

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) raised money from Los Angeles and showbiz donors on Sunday for his campaign for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona.

He’s the latest Democratic candidate to tap industry sources for campaign funds, as the party faces an uphill climb to retain control of the chamber.

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The event Sunday was at the Beverly Hills home of political strategist Donna Bojarsky. Among the guests were Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, author and former TV executive and member of the Cal State University board of trustees; Christy Callahan, former creative executive and TV writer; former Rep. Howard Berman; actress and dancer Stephani Sosa; Flame Ventures’ Tony Krantz; and attorney and former Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel.

Gallego, a Marine combat veteran who is in his fifth term in the House, would be the first Latino to represent Arizona in the Senate. He’s seeking to succeed Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who switched her affiliation from Democrat to independent and then chose not to seek reelection. Gallego’s Republican rival is expected to be Kari Lake, the former TV news anchor and staunch supporter of Donald Trump. She is facing Mark Lamb in a primary race next month. Lake lost the Arizona governor’s race to Katie Hobbs in 2022, but refused to conceded and accept the results.

Democrats have a 51-49 majority in the Senate, but they are defending 23 seats while Republicans are trying to hold just 11. Cook Political Report has rated the Arizona race “lean D.”

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