'Resigning as Lake requested': AZ GOP chair quits amid threat of more leaks from Kari Lake

Arizona Republican Party Chairman Jeff DeWit has abruptly resigned, cowing to threats from failed 2022 Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake to leak additional recordings of their private conversations.

In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), the Arizona GOP leader addressed the prior recording Lake published, in which DeWit can be heard telling Lake — who is running for US Senate in 2024 with former President Donald Trump's endorsement — that he spoke with associates "back East" who were asking about "any companies out there or something that could just put [Lake] on the payroll to keep her out [of the 2024 US Senate race]" and that there were "very powerful people" who wanted her to stay on the sidelines. Lake bristled at the suggestion that she "can be bought."

DeWit stated that in response to threats from Lake that she would release further recordings that would paint him in an unflattering light if he didn't resign from his position as chair of the Arizona Republican Party, he would step down effective immediately.

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"This morning, I was determined to fight for my position. However, a few hours ago, I received an ultimatum from Lake's team: resign today or face the release of a new, more damaging recording. I am truly unsure of its contents, but considering our numerous past conversations as friends, I have decided to not take the risk," he said. "I am resigning as Lake requested, in the hope that she will honor her commitment to cease her attacks, allowing me to return to the business sector — a field I find much more logical and prefer over politics."

DeWit called Lake releasing the recordings a "deceptive tactic," and said the 10-minute audio clip was "out of context" and "undermines the integrity of private discussions critical for party leadership." He added that the conversation was held roughly 10 months ago, while Lake was working for DeWit's company, Superfeed Technologies.

"The ethical breach in her recording of our private conversation, while Lake was my employee, raises serious ethical and moral concerns," DeWit stated. "This act of recording was not just a betrayal of trust but also a violation of the fiduciary responsibilities of an employee."

"Lake has a massive megaphone that I cannot compete with," DeWit continued. "I question how effective a United States Senator can be when they cannot be trusted to engage in private and confidential conversations."

READ MORE: Arizona GOP leader allegedly floated cushy job offer to dissuade Kari Lake from Senate run

Click here to read DeWit's full statement.