McSally, Kelly Advance to AZ Senate General Election

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Incumbent Republican Senator Martha McSally easily defeated a challenge from her right on Tuesday to advance to the general election for Arizona's Class III Senate Seat, where she will face off against former astronaut and gun control advocate Mark Kelly; Kelly was unopposed on the Democrat ballot. The race is expected to be among the most expensive of the cycle, though much of the fundraising is coming from Kelly's camp- he has raised over $45M so far. McSally was appointed to the seat previously held by the late Jon McCain after a razor-thin loss to the similarly maverick Kyrsten Sinema in 2018. Public polling has consistently shown her down double-digits to the husband of ex-congresswoman Gabbi Giffords, whose gunshot wound at a constituent event inspired the two to launch a nonprofit focused on banning semi-automatic firearms and expanding background checks to private and online sales. McSally also boasts an interesting and high-profile resume as the first female combat pilot, a distinction she's been happy to tout in past cycles. 

Today, she requested 7 debates with Kelly, which will presumably allow the two to square off on everything from guns to climate to abortion and beyond, though no schedule is set thus far. Currently, the Cook Political Report rates this seat as a "Toss-Up", indicating that neither party has a significant edge. While Republicans are hoping the traditionally red state- on the border- sends McSally back to D.C on the back of illegal immigration hardliner President Trump, left-wing groups are convinced that Kelly can peel off independents and irritated Republican voters who are unhappy with Trump over his handling of Covid-19, the infamous family separation policy, and his tenure in general.