Democrats Secure First Trifecta in Arizona in 60 Years
Arizona Democrats win first trifecta since 1966, ending 60 years of Republican control.
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Arizona Democrats have achieved a historic milestone, securing full control of the state government for the first time since 1966. The Arizona House and Senate, along with Governor Katie Hobbs, now fall under Democratic leadership, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
End of Republican Rule
According to the Associated Press (AP), Democrats captured at least 31 House seats and 17 Senate seats, giving them a majority in both chambers. Governor Katie Hobbs, who won a second term by a wide margin, has rejected over 540 bills from the Republican-led legislature in her first term, setting a state record. The previous Republican majority in the House was 33-27, and in the Senate, it was 17-13.
Democrats last controlled both chambers in 1966, the year Arizona transitioned from county-based to population-based voting systems. This shift marked a pivotal moment in the state’s political history, and now, after six decades, Democrats have regained full control.
Political Priorities and Reforms
Water policy, affordability, and fraud in Arizona’s voucher program are among Governor Hobbs’ stated priorities. She has pledged to redirect the roughly $1 billion spent on the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts toward public schools. Republicans had opened the program to every student four years ago.
Republican Rep. Justin Wilmeth of Phoenix, who was leading his reelection race, framed the election as a referendum on President Donald Trump rather than a mandate for Democratic policy. He defended the party’s economic record, citing Arizona’s 2.5% flat income tax and 4.9% corporate tax rate. Without Trump on the ballot, he projected results of 31-29 in the House and 16-14 in the Senate.
Democrats won both legislative chambers in Arizona and retained the governor’s office, ending decades of Republican control as part of widespread national gains. https://t.co/qZswOyk7Nc https://t.co/JvFrfPMXP3
National Implications
The result could have significant implications for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Eighteen states and Washington, D.C., carrying 222 electoral votes, have joined the agreement, which activates once members reach 270. Arizona and four other new Democratic trifectas could push the total to 283.
Democrats took full control in at least six states where they had shared power, according to AP. This shift could influence future national elections and policy initiatives.
Source: Daily Caller
