Why It Matters
Arizona Democrats will take control of the state Senate for the first time since 1992, with Sen. Priya Sundareshan of Tucson selected to serve as president.
What Happened
Democratic lawmakers announced Sundareshan’s selection Friday. The party is expected to expand its Senate membership from 13 members to 20.
Christine Marsh will serve as majority leader, while Sen. Analise Ortiz will become majority whip. Sens. Alma Hernandez and Edgar Soto will serve as president pro tempore. Sens. Rosanna Gabaldón and Aaron Lieberman will be majority chairs.
Democratic Senate leaders intend to focus on lowering the cost of living in Arizona. Current Senate President Warren Petersen unsuccessfully ran for attorney general.
Republicans had not announced their Senate minority leadership roles as of Friday evening.
Sundareshan said Democrats heard voters and would work to deliver results. “We heard you loud and clear. Arizonans rejected partisan extremism and chose a new direction,” she said.
By the Numbers
Friday — Democratic lawmakers announced Sundareshan’s selection.
1992 — Last year Democrats held the Arizona Senate majority before this change.
13 members — Democrats’ current Arizona Senate membership.
20 members — Democrats’ expected Arizona Senate membership.
January — Expected month lawmakers return.
Zoom Out
The leadership change will give Arizona Democrats control of the Senate after more than three decades without a majority.
What’s Next
Arizona lawmakers are expected to return in January. Republican Senate minority leadership assignments remained pending as of Friday evening.