Arizona Democrat Ruben Galego is promoting Republican support for his Senate campaign, as the congressman works on assembling a winning coalition.

The list of Republican supporters released on Sunday includes some moderate Republicans as well as former Republicans with elected offices or roles in politics or business. Many are former aides of the late Sen. John McCain. He was a famous Arizona Republican, a former prisoner-of-war and a man known for sometimes bucking the party.

Gallego’s Republican rival, Kari Lake, has criticised McCain in the recent past and suggested that he is a “loser.”

After decades of GOP dominance, Democrats are making gains in Arizona. Despite the fact that Republicans are more likely to be registered in Arizona, Sen. Mark Kelly and Gov. Katie Hobbs, along with other Democrats, have managed to win narrow victories through their ability to hold together the party. They also dominated among independents while gaining support from a large number of Republicans who disapprove of Donald Trump’s direction.

Lake is an ex-TV news anchor who has been one of Trump’s biggest supporters. She has also promoted and debunked false theories about election fraud.

She claims that Gallego is a liberal Democrat out of touch with Arizona’s moderates. Lake claims that the congressman votes with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, supports legislation which worsens inflation and wants the Senate filibuster eliminated to implement a liberal agenda.

Gallego, a Marine who served in Iraq, emphasizes his military service and humble upbringing financially as he seeks to expand his status beyond the safe Democratic district of Phoenix, which he represents since 2015. He said he was not afraid to challenge Biden when he disagreed with the policies of the administration, especially around the U.S. Mexico border. Gallego sees the filibuster – which requires 60 Senate votes in order to pass most legislation – as a barrier against efforts to protect voting, abortion and other rights.

John Giles is one of the Republicans who have endorsed Gallego. He has previously been a vocal advocate for Democrats running against Trump, his allies and Kelly.

Giles stated in a press release released by Gallego’s campaign that “I can’t in good conscience sit on the sidelines as extremists such as Kari Lake who have hijacked the party for personal gain undermine the very fabric which makes America unique.”

Gallego emphasizes his Marine service, which included difficult combat in Iraq. This biography could appeal to people of all political parties.

In a press release released by Gallego’s campaign, Paul Hickman (a former state director at McCain and lifelong Republican) said: “Like me, Ruben has served his country and state for decades.”

Lake’s GOP rival, Pinal County sheriff Mark Lamb, received about 40% of votes Tuesday, despite Lake being outspent five to one. This gives Democrats hope that Lake’s Republican support is still soft.

Lake reached out to those voters who had voted against her when she accepted her victory in the primaries. This was a stark contrast with her run for governor in 2022, where she attacked McCain and other Republicans that were at odds with the right.

She said, “This is a moment when everyone must be on board.” It’s going take people from every walk of life.