President Trump wasted no time backing Arizona Congresswoman Martha McSally Tuesday night after she easily won the Republican primary against Kelli Ward and Joe Arpaio.
Martha McSally, running in the Arizona Primary for U.S. Senate, was endorsed by rejected Senator Jeff Flake....and turned it down - a first! Now Martha, a great U.S. Military fighter jet pilot and highly respected member of Congress, WINS BIG. Congratulations, and on to November!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2018
Martha McSally is an extraordinary woman. She was a very talented fighter jet pilot and is now a highly respected member of Congress. She is Strong on Crime, the Border and our under siege 2nd Amendment. Loves our Military and our Vets. Has my total and complete Endorsement!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2018
During the primary Trump didn't endorse a candidate, but had previously praised Ward and issued a pardon for Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt. At this point it is unclear whether Trump will travel to Arizona is the fall to campaign for McSally, who is up against Congresswoman Kysten Sinema for U.S. Senator Jeff Flake's seat. Flake announced his retirement earlier this year.
At her victory party Tuesday night, McSally told supporters the general election fight is between a "protestor and a patriot."
This is how I see this campaign. It’s a choice between a doer and a talker…between a patriot and a protestor…between a career fighter pilot and a career politician - between proven grit and Hollywood glitz. #azsen
— McSally For Senate (@MarthaMcSally) August 29, 2018
This is how I see this campaign. It’s a choice between a doer and a talker…between a patriot and a protestor…between a career fighter pilot and a career politician - between proven grit and Hollywood glitz. #azsen
— McSally For Senate (@MarthaMcSally) August 29, 2018
The contrast couldn’t be more clear: I have always been true to who I am and have spent my life in service to our great country.
— McSally For Senate (@MarthaMcSally) August 29, 2018
Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway also praised McSally during an interview Wednesday morning on Fox and Friends.