FT News Briefing US midterms countdown: election deniers want your vote
Nov 3, 2022
The Federal Reserve has made headlines by raising interest rates again, increasing fears about the economy's future. Meanwhile, a concerning trend of election denialism is surfacing ahead of the US midterms, particularly in Arizona. Candidates who echo false claims about the 2020 election challenge the integrity of the democratic process. As local election officials work under threat, the risks to American democracy become more apparent. This intersection of economic and political tensions sets the stage for a pivotal moment.
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Fed Rate Hike and Market Reaction
- The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.75 percentage points for the fourth consecutive time.
- They signaled higher eventual rates but a slower pace of increase, causing market drops.
Key Election Deniers in Arizona
- Mark Finchem, an election denier present at the January 6th insurrection, is running for Arizona Secretary of State.
- Other election-denying candidates include former TV anchor, Carrie Lake, and former prosecutor, Abe Hamadeh.
Election Denialism in Arizona
- Many Republican midterm candidates are campaigning on the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen.
- This is particularly prevalent in Arizona, where several election-denying candidates have a strong chance of winning key offices overseeing elections.