Democrats Surge Ahead in Crucial Southern AZ House and Senate Showdown

Democrats are making significant strides in Arizona’s Legislative District 17, where two key legislative seats appear poised to flip from Republican control. These victories are critical for the party’s broader efforts to regain legislative dominance in the state.

John McLean, a political newcomer, is currently ahead in the race for the state Senate seat, boasting a lead of over 6,000 votes against GOP candidate Vince Leach, who previously served in the legislature from 2015 to 2022. In the House of Representatives race, Democrat Kevin Volk holds a substantial 10,000-vote margin over incumbent Republican Cory McGarr, who is also trailing his seatmate Rachel Jones by 2,000 votes.

Despite registered Republicans outnumbering Democrats in the district, independent voters play a critical role. Both parties aimed to sway these unaffiliated voters. Early results suggest Democrats may have successfully garnered the support of many independents and even some right-leaning Republicans.

The stakes are high for both parties. The outcomes in these Tucson-area races will determine whether Republicans maintain their precarious grip on the legislature or if Democrats will take control of one or both chambers for the first time in over six decades.

Legislative District 17 encompasses parts of Pima and Pinal counties, stretching from Marana to the northern Tucson area, including Oro Valley and Saddlebrooke. Historically, it has leaned Republican, electing some of the state’s most conservative lawmakers.

Volk emphasized the importance of this district to the Arizona Mirror last month, labeling it “the most important district to flip” in the state this election cycle. His campaign primarily focused on increasing funding for Arizona schools, while McLean aimed to attract GOP voters dissatisfied with the direction of the party under Donald Trump.