Legislature 2024: Republicans Celebrate Expanded Majority Across Both Chambers

Republicans have solidified their position in the Arizona legislature for the first time since 2020. The GOP claimed a seat in the Senate, establishing a 17-13 majority, and gained two seats in the House, achieving a 33-27 majority.

Speaker-elect Steve Montenegro, R-Goodyear, expressed confidence in the party’s strength, asserting that voters have decisively favored Republican leadership despite significant Democratic spending efforts in the last election. “The people of Arizona have spoken,” he stated after his election by the House GOP caucus.

This electoral cycle proved pivotal, with Republicans flipping three competitive legislative districts. Districts 4, 13, and 16 transitioned to GOP control, with Democrat incumbents Keith Seaman and Christine Marsh ousted by Republicans Chris Lopez and Carine Werner. In LD13, Republicans Jeff Weninger and Julie Willoughby triumphed over their Democratic challengers.

However, Republicans did face a loss in Legislative District 17, where Democrat Kevin Volk defeated incumbent Rep. Cory McGarr, R-Tucson. The results mark a disappointment for Democrats, who haven’t held a dual majority in both chambers since the 1960s.

The Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee had aimed to flip the legislature, investing millions in swing districts. Executive Director Elsa O’Callaghan commented, “Arizona’s legislative chambers will remain in Republican control,” acknowledging the challenges faced by down-ballot Democrats.

While the GOP gains do not restore the supermajority they once held, consultant Doug Cole highlighted the significance of each seat for negotiations with Governor Katie Hobbs, noting that this shift may increase the potential for cross-party collaboration.

Yet, the Republican majority may face internal challenges from the Arizona Freedom Caucus. Some caucus members have already criticized Montenegro’s leadership approaches, indicating potential divisions within the party.

As both parties move forward, the impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration looms large. A recent poll from Noble Predictive Insights revealed a slight preference among voters for Republican governance as they navigate the political landscape.

Political observers note that while Republicans now appear stronger, Democrats managed to achieve noteworthy victories, highlighting the complexity of Arizona’s political dynamics. Gaelle Esposito, a Democratic consultant, noted that Democrats faced a challenging electoral environment, yet still secured key wins, suggesting room for strategic improvement in future elections.