Article Summary –
Arizona’s state legislature remains Republican-controlled, with the GOP increasing their majority by three seats. Democrats aimed for a legislative takeover but failed, despite outspending Republicans in swing races. GOP’s growing influence suggests more conservative policies, challenging bipartisan efforts.
In Arizona, Democrats face an even more conservative Republican majority, making bipartisan cooperation unlikely. Republicans gained two seats in the House and one in the Senate, according to unofficial results.
Republican Strengthens Grip
Arizona Democrats were two seats away in each chamber from majority control but ended with a Republican-dominated House (33-17) and Senate (17-13). Key figures like Sen. Christine Marsh, a public education advocate, lost to Carine Werner, who supports far-right educational content from PragerU.
GOP Historical Control in Arizona
Republicans have held Arizona’s legislature mainly since the 1960s, with the governor’s office dominated by them since 1991, barring a few exceptions. Democratic lawmakers argue Republican control leads to issues like poor public school funding.
Attempts to Stem the Republican Tide
The Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (ADLCC), formed in 2012, aimed to flip the legislature. Despite shrinking the Republican supermajority significantly, Democrats failed to capture control this election, even with record-breaking fundraising and extensive support from Gov. Katie Hobbs.
Key District Changes
- Republican Gains: LD16 (Pinal County) saw Chris Lopez replace Democrat Keith Seaman. In LD13 (Chandler), Republican Jeff Weninger won Democratic Rep. Jennifer Pawlik’s seat. LD4 (Scottsdale/Phoenix) saw Christine Marsh lose to Cerine Werner.
- Democratic Gain: LD17 (Tucson) where Democrat Kevin Volk ousted Republican Rep. Cory McGarr.
Future Expectations
Arizona’s legislative session starts January 13, 2025. Republicans, holding committee control, can dismiss Democrat-proposed bills. Gov. Hobbs vetoed 216 Republican bills, surpassing previous veto records. More ballot referrals are expected as Republicans bypass vetoes, according to Senate Minority Assistant Leader Flavio Bravo.
Republicans, led by figures like Sen. Jake Hoffman, chair of the Committee on Director Nominations, are likely to continue pursuing far-right agendas, complicating bipartisan efforts in the legislature and hindering Democratic influence.
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