Democrats Win Control of Arizona Legislature

Democrats are poised to take control of the Arizona Legislature for the first time in generations following the November 3 general election. Democratic leaders, including House leader Oscar De Los Santos and Senate candidate Priya Sundarashan, declared victory Tuesday night, attributing the shift to a backlash against the Republican Party and Donald Trump.

If current leads hold, Democrats will secure a commanding majority with 15 Senate seats and 35 House seats. This result provides Governor Katie Hobbs with a legislative trifecta, which may end years of Republican efforts to block her appointments and veto her bills.

In a separate contest, Democrats Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill hold narrow leads for two seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission. The regulatory board, which oversees state utilities and is currently fully Republican, will see at least one new commissioner. Election officials continue to tally ballots in these races, which center on energy affordability and utility formula rates.