Arizona Democrats take legislative control after 60 years

Rep. Oscar De Los Santos of Laveen and Sen. Priya Sundareshan of Tucson were elected as the incoming House speaker and Senate president, respectively, on Friday. Their selection marks the first time Democrats have held a trifecta in the Arizona Capitol in 60 years. Unofficial election results show the party holds a 20-10 supermajority in the Senate and a 37-23 majority in the House.

The new leadership team pledged to focus on economic relief for residents. De Los Santos stated the victory aims to improve affordability, healthcare, and public education for working and middle-class families. He emphasized that the legislature will address the struggles many Arizonans face in meeting daily financial needs.

Sundareshan described the Senate Democratic caucus as united and ready to govern as a team. She said lawmakers intend to deliver on promises made during their campaigns. The party organized its leadership structure quickly to prepare for the 2027 legislative session.

Democrats also appointed key committee leaders to manage legislative strategy. In the House, Rep. Nancy Gutierrez will serve as majority leader, while Reps. Brian Garcia and Kevin Volk will act as majority whips. Rep. Quanta Crews will serve as speaker pro tempore. In the Senate, Christine Marsh will lead the majority, with Analise Ortiz as whip. Rep. Alma Hernandez, switching from the House, will serve as Senate pro tempore.

House Republicans retained most of their leadership structure to manage their minority position. Outgoing Speaker Steve Montenegro of Goodyear was elected as the new minority leader. He stated that Republicans remain united in opposing tax increases and focusing on cost of living issues. He said the party will advocate for policies that help families raise children and reduce expenses.

Michael Carbone of Buckeye will transition from majority leader to assistant minority leader, and Rep. Lupe Diaz of Benson will serve as minority whip. Senate Republicans have not yet met to elect their leaders. Sen. T.J. Shope of Coolidge, who was the presumptive leader, conceded to Democrat Elaine Aldrete on Thursday. Shope noted he offered his assistance to Aldrete to help with the transition process.

Rep. Janeen Connolly of Tempe expressed interest in running for speaker before the caucus meeting. She did not win the leadership bid, which went to De Los Santos. The House and Senate Democratic caucuses met Friday morning to finalize their rosters for the upcoming session.