Related Articles
-Editorial
Democrat Adelita Grijalva was sworn in as the newest member of the U.S. House of Representatives, more than seven weeks after winning a special election to fill the seat previously held by her late father, longtime Representative Raúl Grijalva. The delay marked the longest for any member elected in a special election in Congressional history.
Grijalva, representing Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, was administered the oath by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., shortly before the House returned to session to vote on legislation to fund the federal government. Her seating increases the partisan balance to a 219-214 Republican majority.
Immediately following her swearing-in, Grijalva signed a discharge petition to release documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her signature provided the 218th signature needed to advance the petition to a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks.
Grijalva delivered remarks on the House floor highlighting her historic election as the first Latina from Arizona to serve in Congress. She emphasized the importance of representation, accountability, and advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse. During her speech, Grijalva called for greater oversight of the federal government and voiced concerns about rising healthcare costs and family separations at the border. Two Epstein survivors were present in the House gallery during her remarks.
The special election that brought Grijalva to Congress took place on Sept. 23, 2025, when she defeated Republican Daniel Butierez, Green candidate Eduardo Quintana, and No Labels candidate Richard Grayson. Grijalva’s campaign focused on education, healthcare, and community advocacy, and she received endorsements from prominent figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
The swearing-in had been delayed for seven weeks amid the federal government shutdown and a series of scheduling decisions by House Republican leadership. Speaker Johnson initially cited the need for certification of election results and House recesses as reasons for the delay. Grijalva and Arizona Democratic leaders criticized the postponement as politically motivated, noting her intent to sign the discharge petition for Epstein-related documents. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit seeking to compel the swearing-in, which Grijalva joined.
A Tucson native, Grijalva is the eldest daughter of Raúl Grijalva and the granddaughter of a bracero who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1945. She graduated from Pueblo High School in 1989 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1995. Before her election to Congress, Grijalva advocated for education initiatives in Pima County, including the county’s first free preschool program, bilingual curriculum programs, and support for Mexican-American Studies.
Grijalva announced plans to run for a full term in 2026. She lives in Tucson with her husband, Sol Gómez, and their three children.
