Senator-elect Kyrsten Sinema (D., Ariz.), who said back in July that she would not support Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D., N.Y.) bid to remain Democratic Party leader in the Senate, met with him and Senate-elect Jacky Rosen (D., Nev.) on Tuesday.
"Women of the West. Two new great women Democratic senators from the western part of the United States, Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona and Jacky Rosen from Nevada. So proud we’ll be working with them in January," Schumer tweeted.
Women of the West. Two new great women Democratic senators from the western part of the United States, Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona and Jacky Rosen from Nevada. So proud we’ll be working with them in January. pic.twitter.com/jx3heTQFde
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 13, 2018
Sinema told Politico in July she would not support Schumer despite his private call to her in August 2017 saying he would support her in the Democratic primary. She also refused to voice opposition to Schumer in a close-door leadership election Wednesday, indicating she has completely given up her campaign's opposition to him.
JUST IN: In closed-door leadership elections, Sen. Schumer has been re-elected as Senate minority leader by acclamation, source says - @frankthorp
— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 14, 2018
Schumer's PAC, Impact, donated $10,000 to Sinema's campaign and the Senate Majority PAC, a super PAC run by Schumer's ally J.B. Poersch, reserved $6.1 million in Arizona to support Sinema's campaign.
CNN reporter Manu Raju was quick to point out the lack of congruity, saying on Twitter, "Sinema promised on the campaign trail not to support Schumer for minority leader."
Sinema promised on the campaign trail not to support Schumer for minority leader. https://t.co/zVoLVOPobO
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) November 13, 2018
Sinema's opponent in the 2018 midterms, Rep. Martha McSally (R., Ariz.), conceded on Monday evening after a slow vote count dragged on for nearly a week after voters cast their ballots last Tuesday. Sinema will replace retiring Sen. Jeff Flake (R., Ariz.), a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, who will leave the Senate after one term.
Update 11:42 a.m.: This post has been updated to note Sinema did not object in a voice vote Wednesday electing Schumer as the Democratic leader.