Watch Kyrsten Sinema’s statement as she announces retirement from Senate

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema announces she will not run for re-electionKyrsten Sinema

Transcript

00:00 In 2017, I warned we were approaching a crossroads.

00:04 Our democracy was weakened by government dysfunction and the constant pull to the extremes by both

00:09 political parties.

00:10 I promised I would do my best to fix it.

00:14 To protect and defend our Constitution.

00:17 To listen to others without judging.

00:19 To focus on what unites us.

00:21 And to make Americans' lives better.

00:24 Through listening, understanding, and compromise, we delivered tangible results that make America

00:29 safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

00:33 Yet, despite modernizing our infrastructure, ensuring clean water, delivering good jobs

00:39 and safer communities, Americans still choose to retreat farther to their partisan corners.

00:46 These solutions are considered failures, either because they're too much or not nearly enough.

00:51 It's all or nothing.

00:53 The outcome, less important than beating the other guy.

00:57 The only political victories that matter these days are symbolic.

01:00 Attacking your opponents on cable news or social media.

01:04 Compromise is a dirty word.

01:06 We've arrived at that crossroad, and we chose anger and division.

01:11 I believe in my approach, but it's not what America wants right now.

01:16 I love Arizona, and I am so proud of what we've delivered.

01:21 Because I choose civility, understanding, listening, working together to get stuff done,

01:26 I will lead the Senate at the end of this year.

01:28 Thank you.

01:29 [BLANK_AUDIO]