Mayes Wins Reelection as Arizona Attorney General
Democrat Kris Mayes defeated Republican Warren Petersen in Arizona's attorney general race while Democrats hold the state's governor, house, and senate.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should Arizona ban transgender students from school restrooms and sports teams matching their gender?
Democrat Kris Mayes was reelected Arizona attorney general, winning over 56% of the vote with 74% of ballots counted and defeating Republican challenger Warren Petersen. NBC News called the race for Mayes, who spoke at a Democratic watch party.
Why it matters
Democrats now hold the governor's office, state house, and state senate in Arizona, a trifecta the party has not held in roughly 60 years. Prop. 318, which would bar transgender students from using restrooms and joining sports teams matching their gender, is predicted to pass.
With 74% of votes counted, Mayes held a lead above 56%, according to the reported results. Arizona Democrats hold the governor, state house, and state senate for the first time in about 60 years, though final certified totals remain pending.
The players
Kris Mayes
Kris Mayes is the Democratic Arizona attorney general who was reelected in 2026 after serving her first term as the state's chief legal officer.
Warren Petersen
Warren Petersen is the Republican former Arizona Senate president who challenged Mayes for the state's attorney general seat.
The details
Mayes, an out Democrat, defeated Republican Warren Petersen in the attorney general contest. Democrats also won the governor's office and both chambers of the state legislature, and Prop. 318 is predicted to pass.
Timeline
Election held November 3, 2026, with results reported November 4, 2026.
Political Context
Republicans have controlled Arizona's governorship and legislature for most of the period since the state last had a Democratic trifecta about 60 years ago. Mayes's win and the projected passage of Prop. 318 together show how the state's Democratic gains coexist with a ballot measure aimed at restricting transgender students.
Arizona residents will see the new attorney general and the Democratic-controlled governor's office and legislature take office in January. If Prop. 318 passes, transgender students in public schools would be barred from using restrooms and joining sports teams matching their gender.
The takeaway
Single-party control of Arizona's state government would shape policy in the coming legislative session, from the attorney general's office to school policy. Readers should watch certified results and the implementation of Prop. 318 if it passes.
Further reading
Explore more Arizona Elections coverage for context on how state races are shaping the balance of power.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LGBTQ Nation.
Live Poll
Should Arizona ban transgender students from school restrooms and sports teams matching their gender?
