Sundareshan to be next Arizona Senate president

On the heels of their historic win across the state, Democratic lawmakers announced Friday that Sen. Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson, will be the president of the Arizona Senate where Democratic lawmakers will hold the majority for the first time since 1992.

“We heard you loud and clear. Arizonans rejected partisan extremism and chose a new direction,” Sundareshan said in a statement. “I am proud of what we accomplished together during my time as minority leader, and I’m ready to lead us into the next chapter.”

Democrats are expected to grow from a minority of 13 members in the Arizona Senate to 20 members, giving them a supermajority. 

Democratic and Republican members of the Arizona House announced who will be taking leadership roles for their caucuses earlier in the day and as of Friday evening, Republicans had not announced who will take the minority leadership roles in the Senate. 

Current Senate President Warren Petersen unsuccessfully ran for attorney general and it is unclear who will take his place come January when lawmakers return. 

When lawmakers do return, in the Senate, Democrats Christine Marsh, of Phoenix, will take the role of majority leader with Sen. Analise Ortiz, also of  Phoenix, becoming majority whip. 

Democratic Sens. Alma Hernandez, and Edgar Soto, both of Tucson, will both be president pro tempore while Sens. Rosanna Gabaldón, of Green Valley, and Aaron Lieberman,  of Paradise Valley, will serve as the majority chairs. 

In a statement announcing the appointments, Sundareshan said they will not take the trust voters put in them for granted and intend to focus on lowering the cost of living in the state. 

“We’re united in our commitment to earn your trust every day by delivering results you can feel in your daily life,” Sundareshan said. “That means lowering costs for working families, keeping our communities safe, and giving every Arizonan a fair shot at getting ahead. Wherever you live and whoever you voted for, we’re here to work for you.