'Her party is broken': Internet replies after Arizona GOP Rep Debbie Lesko says 'Washington is broken' amid Speaker storm
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Debbie Lesko, a Republican from Arizona, was put through the wringer on social media after she made headlines by declaring on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, that she wouldn't seek reelection in 2024, citing her dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Washington, DC.
Debbie Lesko says 'Washington, DC is broken'
In her statement, Lesko said, "Washington, DC is broken," and expressed her desire to spend more time with her family.
“Spending, on average, three weeks out of every month away from my family, and traveling back and forth to Washington, DC almost every weekend is difficult,” she said. “Right now, Washington, DC is broken; it is hard to get anything done,” she added.
A statement from Congresswoman Debbie Lesko ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ziBheGVDbz
— Debbie Lesko (@DebbieLesko) October 17, 2023
The 64-year-old congresswoman pledged to continue working to improve Congress and serve her constituents in Arizona's eighth district until her term ends in January 2025.
“I want to thank all of the people who have supported me throughout the years. Please know that my office and I will continue to passionately serve our constituents and our nation until the end of my term in January 2025,” the statement added.
Lesko's announcement coincided with the House adjourning for the day, following Rep. Jim Jordan's unsuccessful bid for the position of the new speaker.
Social media backlash
Critics, particularly from liberal circles, took to social media to criticize Lesko, with some holding her accountable for the perceived issues in Congress. Some argued she was responsible for "breaking" Congress and was now walking away from the mess.
"Uh, didn't Debbe Lesko help...you know...break it?" one responded on X.
"As IF she didn't contribute to the problem!" another wrote.
"Her party is broken, not Washington, D.C. She helped break it but has no energy or interest to fix it. She just walks away from the mess she helped make. No apology for her actions that brought us to this pass but forever blaming 'Washington.' Shameful," someone else offered.
"Yeah, now that she helped break all our s**t, she's just taking her lifetime platinum-level major medical and going home. @DebbieLesko Don't let the door hit ya on the way out," another commented.
Uh, didn't Debbe Lesko help...you know...break it?
— Malcolm P. Johnson (@admiralmpj) October 17, 2023
Her party is broken, not Washington, D.C. . She helped break it but has no energy or interest to fix it. She just walks away from the mess she helped make. No apology for her actions that brought us to this pass but forever blaming "Washington". Shameful.
— Michela (@allender_ann) October 17, 2023
Yeah, now that she helped break all our shit, she's just taking her lifetime platinum level major medical and going home. @DebbieLesko Don't let the door hit ya on the way out.
— LeaLeander (@LeaLeander1) October 17, 2023
Debbie Lesko's political journey in Arizona
Debbie Lesko's political career in Arizona began in the early 2000s when she was involved with the Peoria Unified School District, serving on the district's community committee and eventually running for a school board position.
She later served in the Arizona Legislature as both a state senator and representative from 2009 to 2018, holding the role of president pro tempore in the state Senate from 2017 to 2018.
According to Politico, Lesko assumed her congressional office in 2018 through a special election to fill the vacancy left by former Rep Trent Franks. She was subsequently voted into a full term in November 2018.
During her time in Congress, Lesko founded the Protect Kids Caucus and co-chaired the Women in Stem Caucus, the Values Action Team, and the Congressional Western Caucus.
She was known for her pro-life advocacy and was a member of the Freedom Caucus.
In her legislative efforts, Lesko was notable for her role in the debate over the regulation of gas stoves, with the Save Our Gas Stoves Act, introduced by her, passing the House in June.
She was also closely aligned with former President Donald Trump during his tenure, serving on the House Judiciary Committee and as part of his defense team during his first impeachment trial. Currently, she serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Challenges and personal history
In 2020, the Arizona Republic reported on legal and financial challenges in Lesko's past, including bankruptcies, lawsuits over unpaid bills, and an arrest warrant from the 1980s and '90s.
Lesko responded by sharing details about her first husband's abusive and criminal history along with her daughter's account of childhood abuse.
While a Republican candidate is expected to fill her position given her district's political leaning, all eyes are on Arizona in the upcoming election year as it has become one of the key swing states in recent election cycles.
The 8th District she represents favored Trump by 13.6 points in 2020, and the race to fill her seat next year is rated as Solid Republican by Inside Elections with Nathan L Gonzales.
Lesko's decision not to seek reelection is notable in the context of Rep Jennifer Wexton (D-Virginia) also announcing she won't run for reelection due to health challenges.