AZ Police Association backs Democrat Ruben Gallego in U.S. Senate race

The Arizona Police Association endorsed Democratic candidate Ruben Gallego for U-S Senate.

“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,” Arizona Police Association President Justin Harris said in a press release. “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. We believe Congressman Gallego will be that U.S. Senator.”

But just a few days ago, Harris–a former officer–stood on stage endorsing former President Donald Trump, who is backing Gallego’s Republican opponent Kari Lake. On Friday, Trump called Gallego a loser. 

“Ruben Gallego is horrible,” Trump said. “He’s an open-borders maniac. He’s a defund-the-police maniac. He shouldn’t be allowed to even run in this election against her because Kari Lake is incredible.”

According to the Arizona Police Association, Gallego has secured over $168 billion in funding for law enforcement across the nation and has backed initiatives like the Public Safety Officer Support Act, which gives benefits to families of officers who died by suicide due to post-traumatic stress disorder. 

“The Arizona Police Association and I are committed to working together to achieve our shared top priority–keeping all Arizonans and their families safe. Together we have taken meaningful steps towards both practical reforms and increased resources–with both community and officer safety as our number one goal,” Gallego said. “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.”