Arizona Democrats Achieve Significant Gains in Traditionally Republican Districts
In a surprising turn of events during the recent elections, Arizona Democrats not only targeted competitive districts but also made significant inroads in staunchly Republican areas. Their strategic efforts have led to victories that were previously deemed unlikely.
Focusing on Legislative Districts 2, 4, 9, 13, 16, 17, and 23, the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee aimed to shift the political balance in the state House and Senate. Historically, these districts have oscillated between Republican and Democratic representation, with Republicans holding 14 out of 21 seats following the 2024 elections. This year, Democrats successfully secured 19 of these seats.
Moreover, Democrats achieved unexpected wins, gaining three additional House seats and two Senate seats in districts that had seemed unattainable. Governor Katie Hobbs, who secured re-election, highlighted these achievements, stating, “And because we worked as one team, we delivered wins where nobody thought they were possible.” She pointed out unexpected victories in Gilbert and Peoria, referencing Legislative Districts 14 and 27.
In 2024, Gilbert’s LD14 was won by Republican Sen. Warren Petersen with a substantial margin of over 20 points. This year, however, Democrat Stephanie Walsh captured the seat with 51% of the vote. Mary Rose, another Democratic candidate, led in the district’s House race, securing one of LD14’s two seats. Rose emphasized that she encountered voters eager for change, expressing, “I had a lot of Republicans, friends, and people that I would just meet that said, ‘Mary, I’m a Republican. I’m voting for you.’”
Despite lacking a political background, Rose was inspired to enter politics after a local Democratic leader encouraged her to run for office. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Rose recalled, “And I kind of laughed and said, ‘Not at all. I don’t have a background,’” to which she was reassured, “Don’t worry about it. We’ll help you.”
In Legislative District 27, Democrat Kyle Clayton triumphed in the Senate race with 53% of the vote, defeating incumbent Republican Sen. Kevin Payne, who previously ran unopposed. In 2022, the seat was held by far-right Republican Anthony Kern, who won by over 10 points. Democrat Deborah Howard also claimed a House seat in the district after narrowly losing in 2024.
Governor Hobbs also noted, “We even outran the sitting speaker in his own district.” Christine Marie Scianna emerged as the leading candidate in LD29’s House race with 34.25% of the vote. She will serve alongside current House Speaker Steve Montenegro, who will assume the role of House minority leader next year. Scianna was motivated to run for office after advocating at the Capitol for individuals with disabilities, feeling frustrated with Montenegro’s response to a funding crisis.
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