Arizona House
As the Republican Party looks to strengthen its grip on the Arizona House of Representatives, Democrats are hoping a groundswell of anti-Republican sentiment on a national level will trickle down to local politics, giving the minority party an opportunity to gain some ground at the Legislature.
Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House 39-21, and are hoping to add a seat in order to increase the likelihood of overriding vetoes by Governor Napolitano. Democrats, though, have targeted five districts – four of which have split representation currently – as prime candidates for increasing their numbers, including two districts that have historically been Democrat strongholds and another that has been traditionally supported moderate Republicans.
If they win all of the seats – an outcome most observers say is unlikely – Democrats would narrow the membership advantage of Republicans to 34-26, giving the minority caucus decidedly more influence over policy and the budget.
Republicans, on the other hand, hope to gain at least two seats and figure to have a more conservative caucus when the session begins in January.
Arizona Senate
The Republican Party is hoping that when the dust settles after today’s election, the majority party will have enough votes in the Senate to potentially override any veto handed down from the Executive Tower.
Meanwhile, Democrats are hoping to stave off attacks in two districts they currently control, as well as pick up a seat in Republican territory.
With an 18-12 advantage, Republicans need the two seats to get to 20 members, the number of votes needed to overturn a gubernatorial veto.