The speculation for 2018 has been rampant. Jeff Flake will obviously run for re-election, Its rumored that Paul Gosar and Martha McSally may be making a run for it, and Democrat Kirsten Sinema is the presumptive nominee for Democrats. Today however we got a little clarity from Kelli Ward, one of John McCain's primary opponents this cycle. She's in, she's officially running for the US Senate in 2018.
In an email to supporters ward stated:
After careful consideration and many long discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have decided to run again for the US Senate in the 2018 cycle. Many of you know the successes that we enjoyed in our last race. Although we did not win, our team did an amazing job and I know that we will be able to build on our success and win in 2018.
This sets up a primary between Flake and Ward where Donald Trump will play a big part. Kelli Ward has been a stauch supporter of the controversial Republican nominee, yet Jeff Flake has led the effort against him within the GOP.
Does Texas have a constitutional right to defy Supreme Court on protecting its border?
.@realDonaldTrump saying that he might not accept election results is beyond the pale
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) October 20, 2016
In her email, Ward continued:
The thirst for small government, freedom, liberty, low taxes, repealing Obamacare, closing our borders, fixing our broken immigration system and protecting our Constitution and Bill of Rights will not disappear after this election. We need conservative champions, like me, to lead the fight... I am going against a guy (Jeff Flake) that votes to confirm liberal judges, supports amnesty, open borders, horrible trade deals, and does not fight to defend the Constitution. He votes to fund Planned Parenthood and has supported budgets that have increased our national debt trillions of dollars. He claims one thing to voters and does the opposite in DC...Without your help, we will not have the resources needed to take out a DC globalist insider masquerading as a liberty-loving Republican. I’m tired of the deception in DC – let’s make sure our voices are heard in 2018.
Cactus Politics has reached out to Senator Flake, and Mrs. Ward for comment but have not received official responses.