Arizona GOP Chair Resigns, Accuses Kari Lake Amid Secret Recording Fallout

Jeff DeWit, the chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, has resigned amid a controversy involving an audio recording that was made public. In the recording, DeWit is heard suggesting to Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake that she should consider not running in the 2024 election for the state's U.S. Senate seat. The recording, released by the Daily Mail, indicates that DeWit mentioned "people back East" who wanted Lake to step aside from politics for two years.

Following the release of the recording, DeWit issued a statement accusing Lake of selective editing and claiming that the conversation, which took place over 10 months ago inside Lake's home, was intended to offer perspective rather than exert pressure. He also suggested that Lake had threatened to release another damaging recording if he did not resign, an allegation denied by Lake's senior advisers, who stated that no one from Lake's campaign threatened or blackmailed DeWit.

Lake, a proponent of the America First movement and a supporter of former President Donald Trump, criticized DeWit's actions during a livestream broadcast, calling the resignation letter "disgusting" and the job done by DeWit "horrible." The incident has added to the challenges faced by the Arizona Republican Party, which is dealing with internal financial issues and the upcoming primary season. Arizona GOP leaders are scheduled to meet to discuss the selection of a new party leader.