Arizona Democrats Secure First Statewide Trifecta Since 1966
The party gained control of both legislative chambers and retained the governor's office, joining a wave of statewide shifts across the country.
By Samira Khalil ·
Arizona Democrats won control of the state House and Senate on Friday, marking the first time they have held all three major executive and legislative positions in the state since 1966. The Associated Press confirmed the party's victory in enough legislative races to secure both chambers, ending decades of Republican dominance in the state legislature. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs retained her seat, completing the trifecta as the party also took control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress.
The shift in power reverses a long standing political trend in Arizona. Republicans had controlled the state House for 60 years and the state Senate since the early 1990s. During her first term, Hobbs vetoed more than 540 bills passed by the previously Republican-controlled legislature. Those measures covered taxes, immigration, and election laws. Hobbs stated she plans to focus on water issues, housing affordability, and fraud within the state's school voucher program.
This Arizona victory is part of a wider pattern of Democratic gains on November 3, 2026. The party secured full control of state legislatures and governorships in at least six states where power was previously shared with Republicans. Those states include Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Wisconsin. The results indicate a substantial shift in state-level politics that mirrors the federal outcomes.
Changes also occurred in states traditionally considered more competitive or Republican-leaning. Democrats took control of the Texas House of Representatives, a chamber Republicans had held since 2003. They also elected Gina Hinojosa as Texas's first Democratic governor since Ann Richards in the 1990s. Republicans retained control of the Texas Senate. In other states, Democrats won the lower chambers in Maine and North Carolina, and both chambers in New Hampshire, where Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte won reelection.
The National Conference of State Legislatures noted that these results likely represent the largest number of chamber and seat changes since the 2010 elections. That cycle saw Republicans take control of numerous state governments during the Great Recession. The current count may increase as officials finish tallying votes in remaining races. No major disputes or interruptions have been reported this year.
Democrats will also retain governorships in at least 28 states following this election cycle. Results in Alaska and Kansas remain pending as of Friday. The finalization of individual races may take several days depending on vote counting procedures and the closeness of the contests.
The election results have reshaped the balance of power in state capitals across the nation. With control of the executive and legislative branches in key states like Arizona, Democratic leaders now hold unified authority to advance their policy agendas. The next legislative sessions in these states will begin with the new party majorities in place.
