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- calendar_today November 7, 2026
Democrats Gain Control of Arizona Legislature
The Arizona Legislature will enter the 2027 legislative session under Democratic control for the first time in six decades. Following decisive victories in the recent elections, Democrats have elected new leaders to guide both the House and Senate majorities.
Leadership Elections for New Majorities
In leadership elections held Friday, Arizona House Democrats selected Rep. Oscar De Los Santos of Laveen as the House speaker-elect. Senate Democrats chose Sen. Priya Sundareshan of Tucson as the Senate president-elect. These selections come as unofficial results show Democrats holding a 20-10 supermajority in the Senate and a 37-23 majority in the House—marking a historic trifecta for the party at the Capitol.
House Democratic Leadership Team
Alongside De Los Santos, House Democrats elected Rep. Nancy Gutierrez as majority leader. Majority whips will be Reps. Brian Garcia of Tempe and Kevin Volk of Tucson. Rep. Quanta Crews of Phoenix will serve as speaker pro tempore. Rep. Janeen Connolly of Tempe had expressed an interest in running for speaker prior to the caucus meeting.
Senate Democratic Leadership Announced
In the Senate, Christine Marsh of Phoenix was elected majority leader, with Sen. Analise Ortiz also of Phoenix serving as majority whip. Rep. Alma Hernandez of Tucson, who will be moving from the House, was chosen as Senate pro tempore. President-elect Priya Sundareshan remarked on the unity within the Senate Democratic caucus, stating, “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.”
House Republicans Name Leadership
House Republicans also held their caucus organization meeting Friday. The caucus elected outgoing Speaker Steve Montenegro of Goodyear as minority leader for 2027. Michael Carbone of Buckeye will serve as assistant minority leader, and Rep. Lupe Diaz of Benson will be the minority whip. Montenegro emphasized continued Republican priorities, including concerns about cost of living and opposition to potential tax increases.
Senate Republicans Delay Leadership Vote
Unlike their House counterparts, Senate Republicans postponed their caucus leadership election until the following week. Sen. T.J. Shope of Coolidge, the presumptive leader before the election, conceded to Democrat Elaine Aldrete in Legislative District 16. Shope reached out to Aldrete to offer assistance for a smooth transition.
Historic Shift in Legislative Control
The Democratic victories represent the first time in 60 years that the party has achieved a trifecta—controlling both legislative chambers and, with prior gubernatorial victories, the executive branch. With majorities in both the House and Senate for the 2027 session, Arizona Democrats are poised to influence state policy on issues such as affordability, healthcare, public education, and support for working and middle-class families.
Source: azcapitoltimes.com.
