Arizona Democrats and Republicans Elect Legislative Leadership for 2027 Session

PHOENIX – Arizona Democrats and Republicans Elect Legislative Leadership for 2027 Session

PHOENIX — Arizona Democrats and Republicans elected their leadership teams this week for both chambers of the state Legislature, setting the stage for a significant shift in power when the 58th Legislature convenes in January 2027.

With Democrats preparing to take control of both chambers, current Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan will become Senate president, while House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos will assume the role of House speaker.

Arizona House Democratic Leadership

House Democrats selected Representative Nancy Gutierrez of Tucson as Majority Leader, with Representatives Brian Garcia of Tempe and Kevin Volk of Tucson serving as Majority Whips. Representative Quantá Crews of Phoenix will serve as Speaker Pro Tempore.

The leadership team will oversee the Democratic majority as it takes control of the House in January.

Arizona House Republican Leadership

House Republicans reelected Speaker Steve Montenegro to lead their caucus, this time as Minority Leader. Representative Michael Carbone was selected as Assistant Minority Leader, while Representative Lupe Diaz will serve as Minority Whip.

The new leadership team will be responsible for advancing Republican priorities and challenging the Democratic majority’s legislative agenda.

House Republicans say they will concentrate on protecting previous legislative accomplishments, particularly in tax relief, school choice, educational accountability, and public safety.

The caucus also plans to hold Democratic lawmakers accountable for their policy decisions while advocating for measures aimed at strengthening Arizona’s economy, safeguarding individual liberties, and improving the quality of life for Arizona families.

Arizona Senate Republican Leadership

Senate Republicans elected Senator John Kavanagh as Minority Leader for the 58th Legislature, choosing a four-member leadership team tasked with advancing conservative priorities and laying the groundwork for Republicans to regain control of the chamber.

Senator Tim Dunn was elected Assistant Minority Leader, while Senator Leo Biasiucci will serve as Minority Whip. Kavanagh also appointed Senator Mark Finchem as Deputy Assistant Minority Leader of Communications.

Senate Republicans say they intend to work closely with their House counterparts to defend Arizona’s low-tax policies, support law enforcement, and address the state’s long-term water needs.

Although Republicans will no longer control the legislative agenda, the caucus plans to introduce its own legislation and seek bipartisan cooperation on issues where common ground exists.

At the same time, Republican senators have pledged to oppose tax increases and additional government regulations they believe would drive up costs for Arizona families and businesses.

Kavanagh emphasized that regaining the Senate majority will require Republicans to reconnect with voters, demonstrate effective leadership, and offer practical solutions to the challenges facing the state.

“Rebuilding a Republican majority starts with earning it, and that work starts now,” said Minority Leader Kavanagh. “We’re going to spend time listening to Arizonans in their communities and bring what we hear back to the Capitol. When a family tells us their paycheck isn’t keeping up with their bills, that needs to be on our minds when we vote on taxes and spending. When a rural community is worried about whether it’ll have enough water to grow, we need to be at the table working on a solution. We’ll work with Democrats where we agree, and when we disagree, we’ll explain why and put our own plan on the table. That’s how we’ll serve Arizonans in the minority and earn their trust to lead the Senate again.”

The leadership elections mark the beginning of a new political dynamic at the Arizona Capitol, where Democrats will set the legislative agenda and Republicans will seek to influence policy from the minority while positioning themselves to reclaim legislative majorities in future elections.