If recent events are any indication, state Republican parties could prove a major impediment to pulling things toward the middle. It also narrowly reelected Chairwoman Kelli Ward, whose leadership has led the state GOP in a decidedly different direction from Flake and McCain. The Arizona Republican Party under Ward also has been among the most extreme state parties when it comes to a response to the 2020 election. The decision by the state GOP to turn against Ducey is particularly remarkable given his reputation as a conservative Republican governor. As all that played out, another state GOP in a decidedly less conservative state was making its own news.

Source: Washington Post January 25, 2021 21:09 UTC