Democrats Sweep Arizona Statewide Races as Republicans Begin Finger-Pointing

Even in races where Republicans appeared to have a polling advantage, Democratic candidates delivered a remarkable election-night performance Tuesday, putting Arizona on the verge of its first Democratic governing trifecta in roughly 60 years.

In addition to Gov. Katie Hobbs’ decisive reelection victory over Rep. Andy Biggs, Attorney General Kris Mayes held a commanding lead over Republican Warren Petersen in Wednesday’s returns. Unofficial results showed Mayes ahead 57.54% to 42.40%. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes also held a substantial lead over Republican challenger Alexander Kolodin.

Meanwhile, Democrat Teresa Leyba Ruiz led Republican Kimberly Yee in the superintendent of public instruction race, 55.47% to 44.43%, according to early Wednesday returns.

Democrat Nick Mansour was also leading Republican Elijah Norton in the state treasurer’s contest.

Even the obscure state mine inspector race appeared headed for a Democratic victory, with Brian Matlock leading Republican incumbent Les Presmyk by approximately 54% to 46%.

The broader political significance is becoming apparent: Republicans struggled not only in high-profile statewide contests, but also in down-ballot races that had offered opportunities for the party to regain ground.

Perhaps even more significantly, Democrats Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill led the race for two Corporation Commission seats, threatening to break the Republican Party’s complete control of Arizona’s utility regulator.

Unofficial Wednesday results showed Pratte with 27.11% of the vote and Hill with 26.09%, ahead of Republican incumbent Kevin Thompson at 23.40% and state Rep. Ralph Heap at 21.91%.

If both Democrats hold their leads, they’ll join three Republican commissioners in January. Pratte would also become Arizona’s first Indigenous woman elected to statewide office.

Republican finger-pointing has already begun.

Former Commissioner Nick Myers, whom Heap defeated in the Republican primary, publicly blamed conservative political organizations for the party’s apparent difficulties.

“Any future candidate that hitches their horse to @TPAction, @TPUSA or @azfec should think long and hard before committing,” Myers wrote on social media, referring to Turning Point Action, Turning Point USA and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club.

“This is beyond embarrassing,” he added.

The statewide results came alongside Democratic gains in legislative races, potentially giving the party control of both chambers of the Arizona Legislature for the first time in decades.

Although the results remain unofficial and ballots are still being counted, the emerging picture is of a Democratic victory extending well beyond the governor’s race.

Arizona Republicans, meanwhile, appear to have started their post-election argument before the election is even officially over.