The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact has been adopted by 18 states and Washington, D.C., representing a combined 222 electoral votes. It would take effect only once states holding at least 270 electoral votes — the threshold needed to win the presidency — have signed on.

Sen.-elect Aaron Lieberman, D-Phoenix, said the idea deserves serious consideration. "Look, I am one man, one vote. I think that's a great idea. I think this is something that we should really look at, and I think there is an opportunity to do something like that in Arizona. We're about to find out," he said.

Rep.-elect Rockee Armstrong, D-Chandler, said she supports the compact and believes Arizona could join this year. "I think it's really important. We saw in this election that people need their voice, they need to be heard. The national popular vote is a movement that ensures that happens. And so I do support that," Armstrong said.

Democrats introduced legislation in the last legislative session that had wide support among their caucus, but Republicans blocked the bill from being heard. With Democrats now holding full control of the Capitol, the proposal's prospects have changed.

Patrick Rosenstiel, a spokesperson for National Popular Vote, said Arizona is a key path to what he described as a broadly shared goal. "Certainly we think Arizona is the path to giving what 63% of voters what they want, which is a national popular vote for president," Rosenstiel said. He added that last week's election results give his group other routes to reach 270 electoral votes and that he is certain Gov. Katie Hobbs would sign the bill if it reaches her desk.

When asked about the compact this week, Hobbs focused on her other priorities. In her victory remarks, she laid out an agenda centered on lowering costs, public safety and education. "We waited long enough. Let's get to work," Hobbs said.

Democrats took full control of state government in five additional states last week, including Arizona, according to reporting on the midterm results. The party's gains in Arizona ended more than 50 years of divided or Republican-led governance at the Capitol.

The compact would not abolish the Electoral College outright. Instead, participating states would pledge their electors to the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide, regardless of the outcome within their own borders. Supporters say the approach would guarantee that the presidency goes to the candidate who earns the most votes across the country.

For Arizona voters, the debate raises questions about whether the state's 11 electoral votes should continue to be awarded to the winner of Arizona's popular vote or be pooled into a national tally. The outcome could reshape how presidential candidates campaign in the state and how much attention Arizona receives in future elections.