Arizona GOP Moves to Abolish 17th Amendment, Seek Return of Senate Selection to Legislators
Arizona Republicans have introduced a legislative memorial urging Congress to repeal the 17th Amendment and shift the selection of U.S. senators from voters back to state lawmakers. The proposal, introduced last week by MAGA-aligned Rep. Khyl Powell (R-Gilbert), aims to reverse the century-old constitutional change that established direct election of senators.
The move has ignited sharp conflict in the Legislature, with Democrats warning it would strip citizens of a fundamental democratic right. Critics argue it could weaken voter influence and concentrate power among state lawmakers.
Powell’s concurrent memorial (HCM 2010) would ask Arizona’s legislative leaders to send a formal request to the U.S. Congress that the 17th Amendment be repealed. Because it’s a memorial, not a statute, it does not require Republican Gov. Katie Hobbs’ signature to proceed.
Opponents say the proposal misreads history and undermines voter choice, noting that before the 17th Amendment was ratified in 1913, senators were chosen by state legislatures — a system later reformed to curb corruption and deadlocks.
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“This would take away the people’s right to elect their senators,” said Rep. Oscar De Los Santos (D) on social media.
If Congress were to take up such a request, constitutional rules would still require an amendment to be passed by two-thirds of both chambers and ratified by three-quarters of the states — a high constitutional hurdle. It’s unclear whether Powell’s measure has enough support to clear committee or reach a full House vote.
Advocates say revisiting the 17th Amendment would strengthen state power, while critics argue it would weaken democratic accountability and voter influence.
The Legislature could act on the memorial later this session, but the next step would be monitoring committee hearings and floor scheduling in the Arizona House.
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