Arizona GOP Chair Jeff DeWit tendered his resignation on Wednesday amid controversy surrounding a leaked audio recording suggesting an attempt to dissuade former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake from running for Senate.
Having held the position since January 2023, DeWit stated that Lake’s team had presented him with an ultimatum: “Resign today or face the release of a new, more damaging recording.” He expressed uncertainty about the recording’s contents but chose not to take the risk based on their past open conversations.
DeWit, responding to the Daily Mail’s initial report on the recording, claimed it was selectively edited and taken out of context. He clarified that, as party chair, he was fulfilling his duty to “assess and enhance the viability” of GOP candidates.
Resigning as per Lake’s request, DeWit hoped for an end to attacks, allowing his return to the business sector. In the recording, he seemingly inquired about Lake’s price to stay out of politics for two years, but Lake resisted, asserting her commitment to the Senate race. POLITICO has not independently verified the recording’s authenticity.
Lake, known for her vocal support of former President Donald Trump, is running for the GOP nomination for Senate in Arizona after an unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial bid. She criticized DeWit at Trump’s New Hampshire victory party, calling for his resignation and alleging corruption.
Lake is expected to face Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego in the Senate race, with incumbent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema yet to announce her reelection plans.
