Volkswacht Bodensee - Arizona Democrats Secure Historic Trifecta with New Legislative Leadership

Arizona Democrats have elected new leadership to guide their incoming majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature, a move that will end 60 years of divided government at the Arizona Capitol. The elections took place Friday as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session, with unofficial results indicating a historic shift in political power.

In the House, Rep. Oscar De Los Santos, a Democrat from Laveen, was elected speaker-elect. He will lead the chamber where Democrats are projected to hold a 37-23 majority. In the Senate, Sen. Priya Sundareshan, a Democrat from Tucson, was elected president-elect, guiding a party that is expected to hold a 20-10 supermajority.

These gains will give Democrats control of the Legislature and the governor’s office, establishing a trifecta for the first time in six decades. The new leadership team outlined their priorities immediately following the caucus meetings.

"It is a victory for Arizona, and we will make it a victory for affordability," De Los Santos told reporters after the House Democrats closed caucus meeting on Friday. "A victory for healthcare, a victory for public education, a victory for working families and middle-class families who are struggling to get by."

The House Democratic caucus also elected Rep. Nancy Gutierrez as majority leader. Reps. Brian Garcia of Tempe and Kevin Volk of Tucson were chosen as majority whips. Rep. Quanta Crews of Phoenix will serve as speaker pro tempore.

In the Senate, Democrats elected Christine Marsh of Phoenix as majority leader for the 2027 session. Sen. Analise Ortiz of Phoenix will serve as majority whip. Rep. Alma Hernandez of Tucson, who is switching chambers from the House, was selected as Senate pro tempore.

Sundareshan emphasized unity within her caucus ahead of the new term. "The Senate Democratic caucus is united," she said on Friday afternoon. "All of us are excited to come together, to govern for the people of Arizona as a team to deliver on the promises that we’ve all collectively made on the campaign trail."

While Democrats organized their leadership structures, House Republicans also held their caucus meetings. The party elected outgoing Speaker Steve Montenegro of Goodyear as its new minority leader for 2027. Montenegro stated that Republicans remain united and will focus on opposing policies that raise taxes.

"We want to make sure that we’re focused on the cost of living," Montenegro said. "We want to make sure that we’re advocating for policy that’s going to make the lives of Arizonans more affordable and better to raise their families."

Current House Majority Leader Michael Carbone of Buckeye will transition to assistant minority leader, while Rep. Lupe Diaz of Benson will serve as minority whip.

Senate Republicans did not hold leadership elections on Friday and are scheduled to organize the caucus next week. The outcome of the election has already determined the likely direction of their leadership. Sen. T.J. Shope of Coolidge, who was considered the presumptive Republican leader heading into the election, conceded his seat in Legislative District 16 to Democrat Elaine Aldrete.

Shope acknowledged the result on Thursday via a post on X. "I just called and left a message with Elaine Aldrete to offer my congratulations on her victory in Arizona’s Legislative District 16," he wrote. "While it wasn’t the outcome I’d hoped for, I offered my assistance to her if she’d like help to make the transition run smoothly."

The shift in legislative control is expected to impact several key policy areas, including Arizona’s school choice program, which could face major reforms under Democratic leadership. The new majority will also navigate the state's budget and other legislative priorities as they begin their term in January.

K.Sutter--VB