Democrats have taken control of the governor’s office and both chambers of the Arizona Legislature for the first time since 1966. Now they are weighing how quickly to put their priorities into effect.
According to the Associated Press, Democrats hold at least 37 of the 60 seats in the House of Representatives and 20 of the 30 seats in the Senate. Oscar De Los Santos of Laveen is expected to become House speaker, and Priya Sundareshan of Tucson Senate president, when the new Legislature convenes in January.
Announced priorities include scaling back the universal school voucher program, safeguards related to data centers and protecting water resources. Democratic leader Gutierrez also listed measures to lower the cost of living, protection of abortion-related health care and gun safety legislation. According to a column in the Arizona Daily Star, the top priority is limiting spending on ESA scholarship accounts, which cost more than a billion dollars a year.
It is not yet clear whether the party will choose a fast or a gradual pace of change. Votebeat notes that Democrats may not hold their majority in 2028. They must therefore decide whether that pushes them toward bold proposals or a more cautious course. Farley warned fellow party members that Arizona’s electorate has not changed radically. KJZZ also points out that Republicans still outnumber Democrats in Arizona.
Democratic consultants and lobbyists expect Gov. Katie Hobbs to keep the moderate, pragmatic approach of her first term. At the same time, pressure is growing to adopt progressive demands, including from the Activate 48 coalition. Election-related plans will have to compete with the needs of education and social programs.
The detailed legislative agenda is not yet known. Party leaders have not yet presented a full program for the upcoming session.
Source: KJZZ, Arizona Mirror
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