Target Race Launch: DLCC Announces Another Slate of Targets in Arizona

2026 is a historic opportunity to flip the Arizona legislature blue for the first time since the 1960s

WASHINGTON—Today, the DLCC announced two additional Target Races in Arizona as we aim to flip both chambers of the legislature and put Democrats in control for the first time since the 1960s. Arizona Republicans have embraced the MAGA agenda and chased election denial conspiracies while ignoring the GOP-caused affordability crisis. The DLCC laid the groundwork in Arizona over the last several cycles to seize these majorities for Democrats and our momentum in 2026 will help make the difference.

The DLCC is working directly with the Arizona House and Senate caucuses to deliver support and resources for data, research, and direct voter contact. 2026 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build Democratic power across the country, and Arizona is one of the most important opportunities to win new majorities. Democrats are running in every legislative district across Arizona, putting us squarely on offense heading into November. With less than 100 days until Election Day, the DLCC has the Target Map and strategy to meet this moment.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“Arizona Democrats are within striking distance of flipping Arizona blue for the first time since the 1960s. The Arizona legislature is home to the nation’s most extreme MAGA Republicans, and Arizonans are sick of their state legislators chasing conspiracy theories and attacking their rights instead of focusing on the real issues. Flipping the legislature in Arizona will allow Democrats to drive the agenda for the first time since the civil rights era and will unlock incredible progress for Arizonans. The DLCC has chipped away cycle over cycle at Republicans’ stranglehold, and we are proud to stand by our slate of target candidates to get the job done.”

The DLCC’s latest slate of Target Races in Arizona is:

House:

• Emilia Cortez (LD-23)

Senate:

• Dr. Amelia Gallitano (LD-2)

This builds on the slate of Target Races in Arizona announced earlier this year:  

House:

• Stephanie Simacek (LD-2)
• Karen Gresham (LD-4)
• Tammy Caputi (LD-4)
• Lorena Austin (LD-9)
• Jacob Martinez (LD-9)
• Racquel “Rockee” Armstrong (LD-13)
• Jacob Weinberg (LD-13)
• Julia Romero Gusse (LD-16)
• Kevin Volk (LD-17)
• Hollace “Holly” Lyon (LD-17)

Senate:

• Aaron Lieberman (LD-4)
• Kiana Sears (LD-9)
• Kristie O’Brien (LD-13)
• Edgar Soto (LD-17)
• Brian Fernandez (LD-23)

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) leads the national strategy to secure Democratic power in our state legislatures. We are the campaign arm for more than 3,000 state legislators and thousands of candidates across all 50 states who are advancing Democratic values and standing up to the dangerous MAGA agenda every single day. Over the last decade, our work has flipped 10 new chamber majorities. Those new majorities have ensured Democrats in state legislatures are positioned to protect our democracy and fundamental rights, while addressing the high cost of living and advancing opportunities. The DLCC’s national strategy and target map continue to pinpoint the most efficient paths to Democratic power across all 50 states. 

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