Arizona GOP Chair Resigns After Private Conversation with Kari Lake Published by The Daily Mail

Arizona GOP chairman Jeff DeWit resigned on Wednesday after a recorded conversation between him and Arizona GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake was published by The Daily Mail (Right bias).

For Context: Lake is a public ally of former President Donald Trump.

The Details: The conversation happened in early 2023 at Lake’s house. DeWit said he received an ask “from back east” asking if Lake would consider payment in exchange for staying out of the race. Lake declined, saying she owed it to Arizonans “to carry their torch and voice.” DeWit said the clip was “selectively edited,” and upon hearing it, believes he was “set up.” He also said Lake’s campaign threatened to release more tapes if he did not resign.

Key Quotes: DeWit said of the alleged blackmail threats, “I am truly unsure of its contents, but considering our numerous past open conversations as friends, I have decided not to take the risk.” Lake’s senior advisors said, “No one from the Kari Lake campaign threatened or blackmailed DeWit. It is unfortunate that Dewit hasn’t recognized how unethical his behavior was and still hasn’t apologized to Arizona Republicans.” 

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum noted that Lake has often come to Trump’s defense regarding his claims about the 2020 presidential election. The Hill (Center bias) included that Lake was previously accused of recording a private conversation with Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) without his permission. The Mail did not include as much of DeWit’s response to the leak and resignation as CNN (Lean Left bias) and The Hill.