Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says in a new interview that he is running for Arizona’s Senate seat “for the good of the country,” explaining to CNN that he is going through much of the same thing that President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE has gone through with the media.
In an interview broadcast Wednesday, Arpaio told CNN he believes he can win the GOP primary and eventual general election for Sen. Jeff FlakeJeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeGOP lawmakers stick to Trump amid new criticism Kelly holds double-digit lead over McSally in Arizona: poll Trump asserts his power over Republicans MORE’s (R-Ariz.) Senate seat. Flake announced last year he would not seek reelection in 2018.
“I’ve got to give it a shot for the good of our country,” Arpaio said. “And I’m going to do it. And I’m going to win.”
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Arpaio, who was pardoned by Trump last year after a court found him guilty of contempt for refusing to cease traffic stops targeting Hispanics for the sole purpose of immigration checks, says he knows what the president is going through in his fight against the mainstream media.
“I understand what he’s going through,” Arpaio told CNN. “I’m going through the same thing. Believe it or not, people [are] going after this guy here. So, I understand it.”
Arpaio, 85, was a major Trump supporter during the 2016 campaign and appeared alongside candidate Trump at several events, but the sheriff lost his bid for reelection by double digits on the same night Trump won the presidency.
Since then, Arpaio has been at the center of speculation over his future in Arizona politics.
Arpaio told CNN that if elected, he plans to “back [Trump] up” in the Senate, where Arpaio says the president doesn’t have enough support.
Arpaio will face 48-year-old former state Sen. Kelli Ward (R) and a possible bid from 51-year-old Rep. Martha McSallyMartha Elizabeth McSallyGOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police No evidence of unauthorized data transfers by top Chinese drone manufacturer: study Senate Democratic campaign arm launches online hub ahead of November MORE (R-Ariz.) in the state’s GOP primary. Responding to a question from a CNN reporter, Arpaio said he was unconcerned about blowback from senior GOP figures in his state.
“People who are longtime Arizona GOP people are concerned about your entrance into the race,” said the reporter.
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“OK, OK. Well, were they worried about President Trump?” Arpaio shot back. “They didn’t give him any chance. I guess he won.”