Arizona House GOP Elects Diaz as Minority Whip
Republicans chose a new leadership team ahead of the 2027 session, when Democrats take control of the chamber.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Political Parties
Arizona House Republicans elected Representative Lupe Diaz as Minority Whip after a caucus vote on November 6, 2026. Steve Montenegro was selected as Minority Leader and Michael Carbone as Assistant Minority Leader.
Why it matters
The leadership slate sets the Republican caucus's direction as the chamber shifts to Democratic control in January 2027. Arizona's minority party will lead its opposition from these posts during the coming session.
The election was a caucus vote covering three leadership posts, with Diaz's district spanning Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties. The vote tally and internal margins were not reported in the source material.
The players
Lupe Diaz
Diaz is a Republican member of the Arizona House who represents Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties and was elected Minority Whip.
Steve Montenegro
Montenegro is a Republican state legislator in Arizona who was selected as Minority Leader for the 2027 session.
Michael Carbone
Carbone is a Republican state legislator in Arizona who was selected as Assistant Minority Leader for the 2027 session.
The details
Arizona House Republicans held a caucus vote to select their leadership team for the 2027 legislative session. Montenegro, Carbone and Diaz will guide the party's minority-side strategy as Democrats prepare to take the chamber.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Arizona House Republicans elect their leadership team.
January 2027: Democrats assume control of the Arizona House.
Political Context
The Republican caucus has framed its agenda around tax relief, school choice, educational accountability and public safety, which it intends to defend as the Democratic majority takes over the chamber in January 2027. The new leadership will be responsible for holding that majority accountable for its legislative agenda.
The leadership shift changes which Republicans will guide the minority's votes and public positions on taxes, schools and public safety once Democrats hold the House. Arizona residents will see that new majority's agenda take shape in the 2027 session.
The takeaway
Leadership posts set in advance of a majority change signal how a minority party plans to contest policy in the next session. Watch how the new caucus leaders respond as the 2027 session opens.
What happens next
Democrats will assume control of the Arizona House in January 2027, when the new majority takes office.
Further reading
Explore more on Political Parties in Arizona's legislature and the shifting balance of power.
