Arizona Democrats Set to End Six Decades of GOP Control in State Legislature
Ballot counts show Democrats securing majorities in both chambers, capping a night where statewide candidates also led.
By Aiko Petrov ·
Arizona Democrats are on the verge of winning majorities in both chambers of the state legislature for the first time in over 50 years. Current vote tallies, while still being counted, indicate a comfortable lead for the party in the House and Senate. This shift would end a period of Republican dominance that has defined Capitol policy since the mid-1960s.
The legislative wins followed a strong performance in statewide races, where Democratic candidates led in key contests. Attorney General Kris Mayes addressed supporters at a watch event on Tuesday night. "They said it couldn’t be done, but we did it! We did it," Mayes told the crowd.
Party leaders attributed the surge to voter dissatisfaction with the state Republican Party. They cited the GOP's close alignment with Donald Trump as a key factor in the outcome. Over the last ten years, Republican lawmakers have proposed measures to rename a major state highway after Trump. They also introduced legislation requiring high schools to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America."
Rep. Oscar De Los Santos, the current highest-ranking Democrat in the state House, stated that these moves contributed to the party's defeat. "The Republican Party in Arizona had become extreme and out of touch, and this represents a return to common sense because [voters] want leaders who are just going to put affordability before extremism," De Los Santos said.
Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan echoed this sentiment, arguing that moderate voters felt alienated by the previous leadership. "Trump has taken over the Republican Party, and Arizona Republicans were right there with them and ready to go to the extremes and support his extreme policies," Sundareshan said. She noted that voters now prioritize everyday issues over national political demands.
Democratic leaders have outlined initial policy goals for the upcoming session, though a full agenda has not been released. Top priorities include limiting the state's universal school voucher program. They also plan to establish rules for data center operations and protect the state's water supply.
House Democrats are scheduled to meet this Friday to select a new speaker. Senate Democrats are expected to choose a new Senate president next week.
