Blake Masters abandons Arizona Senate race — and lets Kari Lake have GOP nomination

Blake Masters has dropped out of the U.S. Senate race, announcing Thursday that he is running for Congress instead. It paves the way for failed gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake to take the Republican nomination.

Masters, who failed in his attempt at a U.S. Senate seat in 2022 against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), announced his new campaign on social media, saying that he's seeking the eighth congressional district.

"Biden has failed. We need Trump back. We need to stop inflation, Build the Wall, avoid WW3, and secure Arizona's water future," the candidate said. "We need to fight for our families."

POLL: Should Trump be allowed to run for office?

The district, which includes part of Peoria and north Glendale, is currently held by Rep. Debbie Lesko (R), who assumed office in May, 2018. Lesko announced that she was retiring earlier in 2023 and there are now 13 candidates running for the seat.

Masters was supported and funded for his Senate run by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, who pledged $5 million on the race but ultimately spent $15 million.