Republican firebrand Kari Lake, who is running for governor of Arizona, now holds a double-digit lead over her Democrat opponent, according to a new poll.
A Phillips Academy poll published on Tuesday found that 53% of likely voters back Lake, while just 42% support Democrat Katie Hobbs.
New poll shows Lake beating Hobbs 53% to 42%.
Lake beats Hobbs with big support from men (59%), non-college-educated voters (60%), Hispanic voters (56%), voters earning above $100k per year (54%), women (50%) and Lake drubs Hobbs in rural areas (66%).— Kari Lake (@KariLake) November 1, 2022
The 11-point advantage is no surprise to many political analysts, who have noted that Hobbs’ unwillingness to debate Lake — or even show up to events in which the Republican candidate is present — has caused concern among voters.
.@KariLake: "I'll be honest. I don't like the idea of being on the stage with a twice-convicted racist, but this job is so important that we need to stand up here and debate these issues and tell the good people of this state what we plan to do for our citizens." pic.twitter.com/IW6ISsKACs
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) October 6, 2022
The poll also showed that Lake — a former Fox 10 Phoenix anchor — is leading among voters not affiliated with the two major parties, 52% to 42%, and among Latino voters 56% to 42%.
The results of the Phillips Academy poll were very similar to an Insider Advantage poll from last week, sponsored by Fox 10 Phoenix, which showed that 54% of likely voters supported Lake, while 43% supported Hobbs.
Lake has also been in the lead in seven of the last eight polls from FiveThirtyEight. The only poll not showing the Republican candidate leading had her tied with Hobbs.
Democrats have begun making last-ditch efforts in Arizona to campaign for Hobbs and other Democrat candidates — including vulnerable Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), who polls show is locked in a dead heat with Republican challenger Blake Masters.
As the midterm elections are less than a week away, former President Barack Obama is headed to Arizona for a Get Out the Vote Rally in a desperate attempt to help the Democrat candidates.
Looking at the polls, and Hobbs’ apparent unwillingness to debate or appear at events, it is unclear what her fellow Democrats could do to help her win.
In a recent opinion article, Arizona Republic columnist Phil Boas blasted Hobbs for refusing to debate, and argued that Democrats would not be having as much of a problem in the Arizona governor race if they had chosen “the right candidate.”
“Her refusal to engage in one feeds doubts both left and right that she has the mettle to compete,” he wrote. “Hobbs seems to fear Kari Lake and her polished anchorwoman poise and delivery. Had the Democrats run the right candidate for governor, this wouldn’t be an issue.”
