Sheriff Mark Lamb, dubbed the “American Sheriff,” took a short break recently from his campaign for U.S. Senate to grant an exclusive interview to The Arizona Sun Times to discuss his vision, legislative objectives, and strategies for transitioning from law enforcement to federal governance. Lamb and former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake are the key contenders in the 2024 Republican primary, aiming to succeed Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), who will not seek re-election.
Lamb began by expressing his gratitude for the support and encouragement he has experienced on the campaign trail. “When people see that you are protecting their families, they, in turn, become protective of you.”
He also noted that this loyalty reveals a certain fragility within the party, pointing out that people are frustrated with current Republican leadership. Lamb said he believes he can go to Washington, D.C., and “get the job done.”
The long time law man told The Sun Times that his focus will be leveraging his expertise on federal issues such as border security, the economy, running an agency with a significant budget, and national security.
When The Sun Times inquired about topics that are seldom brought up, Lamb shared, “I’m a big school choice guy.” He said he believes that parents should have complete rights and decision-making authority over their children’s education. Reflecting on his own family’s educational choices, Lamb emphasized, “I took an all-of-the-above approach to education.”
He then revealed, “If I had to do it all over again, I would solely choose homeschooling or a reputable charter school that teaches authentic history and the greatness of America.”
Lamb said that he is staunchly pro-life, believing that life begins at conception and that we should do everything to protect it. He explained, “I have dedicated two decades to protecting life, and I’m not about to reverse course now.” Firm in his convictions, Lamb asserted that he would not waver on this issue, emphasizing his concern with meeting his maker over winning an election.
He added that resonates with Ronald Reagan’s perspective: “I can’t help but notice everyone who is for abortion is already born.” Lamb asserted, “Who will protect the rights of the unborn?”
Lamb said he supports the Dobbs decision and believes “the court got it right.” He argued that setting our moral compass should not be the responsibility of the federal government but rather the states. He further pointed out that the 1864 law was reaffirmed in subsequent years — 1901, 1913, 1928, and notably in 1977, four years after Roe v. Wade, with a bipartisan vote. Lamb emphasized that Republicans should not be on the defense regarding this issue. He said he believes that “taking the life of a baby up until birth” is the extreme position.
The Sun Times asked Lamb how he identifies himself politically. He answered, “I’m an American and a Patriot.”
He said he considers himself the most conservative candidate in the race, a lifelong adherent to conservative values, including America First, a belief in God, family, freedom, and the Constitution, but he rejects labels. With eight years of experience as the sheriff of Pinal County, he described himself as balanced and well-tempered, never compromising on core conservative principles.
Lamb also shared that some of his best friends are Democratic sheriffs, and he has implemented several of their successful programs. These initiatives have achieved remarkable outcomes in his facilities, he said, with a 75 percent success rate in reentry programs as an alternative to prison and a youth redirection program that has seen fewer than five youths who reoffended out of 200 participants. Lamb emphasized that these programs have transformed the lives of over 200 kids, many of whom are now in the military or college.
Reflecting on his political journey, Lamb recalled being the underdog eight years ago when he ran for Sheriff. He acknowledged the importance of attending local district and Republican meetings but noted that they do not capture the majority of votes. Although he chose not to disclose the specifics of his campaign’s strategic path to victory, he highlighted his previous upset win in the 2016 sheriff’s race, which he won with a 60/40 margin despite expectations of defeat.
Lamb said he is confident that “his steady approach” in this Senate race has made a significant impression on the electorate.
He downplayed the significance of the endorsements his opponent has received, especially those from Washington D.C., stating, “Endorsements from D.C. come from the same people who have driven our country to the dire state it’s in now.”
Instead, Lamb said he seeks the endorsement of “We the People” — those who are fed up and want change and are choosing to support him.
The last day to register to vote in the primary election is July 1 and primary election day is July 30.
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Christy Kelly is a reporter at The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Christy on Twitter / X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mark Lamb” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.
