Democrats spent $10 million on their effort to flip the Arizona Legislature. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs exercised her political clout — such as it is — to weaken Republicans’ grip on power.

Hopes were high in blue spaces that, with abortion rights on the ballot and Republican control of the Legislature hanging by a thread, Democrats would be able to grab at least a seat at the big kids’ table.

“It’s kind of the perfect storm,” Hobbs told Capitol Media Services’ Howard Fischer in July. “This is the first time we’ve been this close and had a Democratic governor. And this is what I’m focused on this election is governing majorities who will work with me.”

Turns out, that perfect storm was a full-on Trump tornado, one that blew away Hobbs’ plans and left her hobbled as she enters her final two years as governor, with a strengthened Republican Legislature that despises her.

For all the Democrats’ work, Republicans picked up two seats in the House, for a 33-27 split. If former GOP Sen. Vince Leach holds on in his tight southern Arizona race against Democrat John McLean, Republicans also will pick up a seat........

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