Democrat Kyrsten Sinema praises McCain in victory speech: He 'always put country ahead of party'

In her victory speech Monday night, the winner of the Arizona Senate race, Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, urged her supporters to show empathy and "embrace difference while seeking common ground."

Sinema defeated Republican Martha McSally, the win announced nearly a week after Election Day because it took that long to count enough ballots to determine the victor. Not all votes have been recorded, and Sinema said the U.S. is at "its best when everyone is engaged and everyone's voice is heard. That work isn't over, and we will continue to make sure every vote is counted."

A moderate, Sinema said that while campaigning, she met people who are "sick and tired of the dysfunction in Washington" and "want leaders who put aside party labels and focus on just getting things done." She said that's what she will do as senator, praising the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) as "a legend" who didn't play political games. 


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"His example shines a light on the way forward," Sinema said. "Sen. John McCain stood for everything we stand for as Arizonans: Fighting for what you believe in, standing up for what's right even if you stand alone, and serving a cause greater than one's self." McCain is "irreplaceable," but that doesn't mean he won't "guide our next steps forward. He taught us to always assume the best in others, to seek compromise instead of sowing division, and to always put country ahead of party. It's up to us to carry on Sen. McCain's legacy."