WEEKENDER

A supporter holds a sign at the Arizona Democratic Party watch party on Nov. 3, 2026 in Phoenix. Now that Democrats have a trifecta, the hard job of setting policy for the state begins. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror)

‘It’s a daunting task’: Democrats prep to lead Arizona legislature for first time in 60 years

For the first time in six decades, Democrats control the Arizona legislature and will be able to turn their policy priorities into state law. But doing so without ostracizing the Republican and independent voters who helped elect them may prove difficult as the party grapples with governing a state where Republican voters still outnumber registered Democrats. 

Tuesday’s election was a boon for Democrats up and down the ballot. The state’s three top Democratic incumbents easily…

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs celebrates her election victory with supporters on Nov. 4, 2026, at the Carpenters Local 1912 hall in Phoenix. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror)

Hobbs celebrates victory, shares centrist message scant on plans for trifecta

Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs celebrated a decisive victory over her Republican opponent Andy Biggs Wednesday night at a local carpenter’s union, but stressed to a room full of supporters that she and her lieutenant governor plan to govern for “all Arizonans.” 

“I think I may be the only non-Democrat who had a good night last night,” former Republican Mesa Mayor John Giles, Hobbs’ lieutenant governor pick, said…

(Photo by Jim Small/Arizona Mirror)

Mixed results on the 8 ballot measures Republicans put before voters

Arizona voters weighed in on multiple ballot measures on Tuesday that were sent to the ballot by GOP lawmakers, and they overwhelmingly agreed with Republicans that taxes on groceries should be prohibited, but appear to have rejected other proposals, including a move to place a ban on diversity policies in the state constitution. 

Aiming to avoid Gov. Katie Hobbs’ veto pen, Republican lawmakers put eight initiatives on the midterm ballot, hoping to convince voters to greenlight long sought after policy priorities like…

ICYMI

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