Congresswoman-elect Debbie Lasko (R-AZ), who won the Arizona special election on Tuesday to replace former Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), will join the House Freedom Caucus.
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) endorsed Lesko in her Republican primary earlier this year. The Freedom Fund, the super PAC associated with the Freedom Caucus, released ads in her favor during the GOP primary.
Meadows told The Hill in a phone interview, “We felt she was the best candidate in the 8th District of Arizona. We look forward to having her join our ranks as a strong contributing member of the Freedom Caucus when she gets sworn in as a new member of Congress.”
“We have every expectation an invitation to join the caucus will be made and that she will gladly accept,” the Freedom Caucus chairman added.
Lesko will replace former Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), who resigned after reports revealed that Franks offered to pay a female staffer $5 million to carry his child.
Lesko said during her election night speech:
All I can say is wow, this is really something. This is really quite overwhelming. Twenty-five years ago, I left an abusive husband and I sure as heck never would have dreamed in a million years that I would be running for Congress and be a congresswoman.
National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Steve Stivers (R-OH) cheered Lesko’s election win in a statement on Tuesday, saying, “Debbie is a strong conservative whose values truly reflect those of the voters in Arizona’s Eighth District.”
Stivers added, “The NRCC was proud to support her and our targeted and early investments proved to be a difference maker in the race.”
President Donald Trump cheered Lesko’s victory in a tweet on Wednesday morning. Trump tweeted, “Congratulations to Republican Debbie Lesko on her big win in the Special Election for Arizona House seat. Debbie will do a Great Job! Press is so silent.”