Arizona stories ready to republish | November 5, 2026

Below are today’s Arizona and national stories, available for immediate republication. You can access them via The Center Square RSS feed or BLOX Content Exchange.

Democrats on verge of elusive legislative trifecta in Arizona
It’s been 60 years since Democrats held a trifecta in Arizona, in which one party controls both chambers of the Legislature and the governor’s mansion. On Wednesday morning, Democrats in Arizona were cautiously optimistic that such an outcome could happen. By Christopher Boan.

Hobbs reelected with nearly 13% lead over Biggs
Gov. Katie Hobbs was reelected Tuesday in Arizona as Democrats maintained control of the executive branch.This year’s midterms mark the second consecutive time Arizona Democrats have won the gubernatorial, attorney general and secretary of state races. By Zachery Schmidt.

Arizona Democrats maintain blue wave in Congress
As votes continue to get counted across Arizona, the Democratic Party is on the cusp of historic victories at the state and federal level. As of Wednesday morning, four of the state’s nine Congressional races have been called by various media outlets, with Arizona’s 3rd, 4th and 7th districts going to the Democrats and the 9th District going to the GOP. By Christopher Boan.

Restrictions on transgender athletes, other measures pass
It appears that “yes” was the word of choice on election night for Arizona voters. That’s the takeaway from the Grand Canyon State’s slate of statewide propositions, with five of the eight measures appearing set to pass on Wednesday afternoon. They include a measure related to preventing transgender athletes from competing on girls’ or women’s teams. By Christopher Boan.

Arizona’s $125 million film tax debated in appeals court
Attorneys for the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Goldwater Institute debated the legal merits of the state’s $125 million-a-year film tax incentives program on Wednesday afternoon. By Christopher Boan.

Trump defends Iran strikes after midterm losses, says he’d ‘do it again’
On the heels of a brutal loss by Republicans in the midterms, President Donald Trump defended his decision to strike Iran. The president was also asked about a social media post from Vice President JD Vance blaming the losses on the war with Iran, which the president didn’t appear to take issue with, despite the post being critical of the administration’s handling of the war. 

Vance blames Iran war for midterm loss as 2028 race comes into focus
With the 2026 midterm elections now in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts to the 2028 presidential election. Vance may have laid some groundwork for a potential campaign Wednesday. The vice president posted a long post on X, placing blame for the devastating loss on the war with Iran.

Victorious Democrats outline plan of attack for 120th Congress
With 60 days until the start of the next Congress, triumphant Democrats are outlining a gameplan that focuses largely on addressing voters’ affordability concerns and attempting to undo many of President Donald Trump’s policies.

Scalise, Jordan vie for House minority leader role 
With Republicans losing the majority in both chambers of Congress, two contenders for House minority leader have already thrown their hats in the ring.

Johnson will not seek House minority leader role
Current U.S. Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson, R-La., said Wednesday he will not seek to represent Republicans as minority leader when Democrats take control, according to multiple reports.

Trump’s veto could limit Democrats’ energy policy changes
President Donald Trump’s energy dominance policies could face challenges after sweeping election victories by Democrats at both the state and national levels, energy market experts say. When the new Congress is seated in January, incoming Democratic majorities are expected to push efforts to increase oversight of methane emissions, limit drilling on federal lands and in offshore areas, and tighten environmental permitting requirements on new plants and equipment.

Trump promised $5,000 if the GOP held Congress; it didn’t.
President Donald Trump promised every American adult $5,000 if Republicans held Congress.

Outcome of Alaska Senate race may not be known for weeks
The outcome of a tightly contested and controversial U.S. Senate race in Alaska may not be known until the end of the month or later.  

Election officials: Midterms had 'high turnout, wide margins'
Election officials are hailing the relatively smooth management of the 2026 midterm elections in the wake of high voter turnout.

Iowa tax cap faces budget deficit, new governor
Voters in Iowa approved an amendment to the state constitution that would make it more difficult for the legislature to raise individual income taxes. However, the amendment could run into problems with a newly elected Democratic governor and more than a $1 billion budget deficit.  

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DAY 3 ON ELECTION UPDATES: Two days after Election Day, Arizona still is sorting through its state races. Who will win the nine congressional races and which party will come out on top in the Legislature? Will Democrats retake both houses for the first time in decades? The Center Square breaks down the latest ballot information. By Christopher Boan. 

NEW AIR QUALITY RULE: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has signed off on Maricopa County’s Rule 405 air quality program, which is designed to protect the environment and encourage companies to build or expand manufacturing. The Center Square is doing interviews with the EPA and with county Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee to learn what the rule means for Arizona’s most populous county. By Christopher Boan. 

HOUSING BACKSTOP: Two in five first-time homebuyers who financed over the past year used an FHA, VA or USDA loan, while repeat buyers with a $127,000 median income went conventional 72% of the time. FHA now insures $1.65 trillion in mortgages, up from $1.29 trillion six years ago, and 83% of its purchase loans went to first-time buyers. The insurance fund is well capitalized at 11.47% against a 2% statutory floor, but FHA tells Congress its own foreclosure-prevention efforts are “approaching a 60 percent redefault rate, which is unsustainable.” NAR report embargoed until 10 a.m. ET; interview with NAR deputy chief economist Jessica Lautz at noon. HUD, VA, USDA and Urban Institute outreach pending. ~600 words, filed by 1 p.m. (Brett Rowland)

MISSISSIPPI SENATE: The race for U.S. Senate in Mississippi is tight while ballots continue to be counted. The Center Square speaks with election officials on the ground about a timeline for counting ballots and whether the state’s rule against a recount will affect results. (Andrew Rice)

ELECTION ANALYSIS: The American Enterprise Institute will host a post-election discussion Thursday examining the results of the 2026 midterms, the factors behind Democrats' sweeping victories and what the results could mean for the political landscape heading into 2028. (Morgan Sweeney)

DEFENSE BUDGET: Following a triumphant election night, Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee are vowing to push for a more “sustainable” national defense budget for fiscal year 2027 once the party takes power in January. The committee’s ranking member Adam Smith, D-Wash., says they will push for a budget that is under $1 trillion; the Trump administration has requested $1.5 trillion. Meanwhile, the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act – which authorizes annual Pentagon spending levels and programs – has stalled in the Senate, while the FY 2027 Defense appropriations bill – which provides the actual funds – hasn’t even received a House vote. Though Republicans will likely try to tackle both during the lame duck session while they still have control of Congress, they will have scarce time to do so. (Therese Boudreaux)

FIRST LADY: First Lady Melania Trump is hosting an event with representatives from Russia and Ukraine Thursday at the White House. Could this open the door for direct peace talks between the two countries? (Sarah Roderick-Fitch)

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Dave Mason
Regional Editor
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