NBC News, before any other media outlets, called the Arizona gubernatorial race before the votes were all counted.
“Democrat Katie Hobbs defeats MAGA favorite Kari Lake in high-stakes race for governor in Arizona,” the headline from NBC News reads.
Click here to get Todd’s daily podcast.
“Hobbs’ victory comes against a Republican many thought was the strongest of the pro-Trump election deniers running in swing states President Joe Biden carried in 2020,” the outlet added.
Minutes later the Associated Press called the race with about 95 percent of the votes counted in a race being watched by the nation.
As soon as the news was posted on Twitter, users quickly reacted.
Democrat Katie Hobbs Defeats MAGA Favorite Kari Lake in High-Stakes Race for Arizona Governor https://t.co/3V1ahqP1iO
— NBC Chicago (@nbcchicago) November 15, 2022
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) celebrated Lake’s loss with a tweet:
You’re welcome, @KariLake. https://t.co/5jVFIprwxS
— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) November 15, 2022
“Rigged all the way!” one person said.
“Stolen,” another person tweeted.
“wow they cheat so well,” someone said.
Anyone who has attacked @KariLake as an "election denier" needs to realize one simple fact: Katie Hobbs just proved Kari Lake's point.
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) November 15, 2022
.@KariLake was up as high as 11% in the polls. No way she lost.
— Mark Finchem #JustFollowTheLaw VoteFinchem.com (@RealMarkFinchem) November 15, 2022
A Republican won the Arizona Treasurer’s race — most votes in Arizona history — but Republican Kari Lake loses for Governor?
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) November 15, 2022
NO WAY!!!
Katie Hobbs did not campaign or debate because she already knew the outcome of the U.S. Senate race. She was, after all, in charge of counting the votes.
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) November 14, 2022