In a surprising turn of events, Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake is actively lobbying state lawmakers to overturn a longstanding law that bans abortion in nearly all cases, according to a source with knowledge of her efforts. Lake, who once supported the law, is now pushing for its repeal while advocating for the restriction of abortion to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy, as outlined in legislation signed by Republican Governor Doug Ducey in 2022.

The push for change comes in the wake of a recent ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court, which mandated that the state adhere to the 160-year-old law that permits abortion only when a woman's life is in danger. Lake has reached out to state legislators, offering support in their endeavors to revert the law back to the 15-week restriction implemented by Ducey.

This sudden change in stance highlights concerns within the Republican Party regarding the impact of the abortion issue in a crucial battleground state. Lake had previously endorsed the 1864 law when she ran for governor in 2022, expressing her support for the court's decision on its implementation. Back then, she believed that Arizona would serve as a model for other states to follow.

However, in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, Lake reversed her position and called for immediate action from both the state's Democratic governor and the GOP-controlled Legislature. She called for a "common sense solution" that aligns with the concerns of Arizonans.

Interestingly, Lake's change in stance mirrors that of her close ally, former President Donald Trump. Trump, who has also shifted his stance on abortion, recently stated that the future of abortion access in the United States should be determined by individual states. This position aligns with the status quo established when the US Supreme Court, led by Trump-appointed justices, ended the federal right to an abortion.

Trump's statement, however, sparked a confrontation with the consequences of the Arizona ruling. Subsequently, he attempted to distance himself from the outcome, implying that the law would be rectified. Arizona Republican lawmakers subsequently prevented a vote on repealing the state's law, blocking an attempt by state Representative Matt Gress. This led to protests by Democrats in the state House.

Marcus Dell'Artino, a Republican strategist in Arizona, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Lake's lobbying efforts changing the minds of staunch anti-abortion lawmakers. He questioned the feasibility of reversing their position through a simple phone call, indicating that the votes required for a reversal seem improbable.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruling has become a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over abortion access in the state, with significant political implications. As a crucial battleground in the Senate and White House races this year, Arizona Democrats are reminding voters that the ruling was made possible due to the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a decision that was orchestrated and celebrated by former President Trump.