News Summary
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has initiated a lawsuit to ensure that Adelita Grijalva is sworn in as the state’s newest congresswoman. This follows her victory in a special election held on September 23, 2025, during which she made history as the first Latina to win a congressional seat from Arizona. The lawsuit argues that the delay in her oath, attributed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, is leaving over 800,000 constituents without representation. The outcome could set important precedents regarding electoral rights and representation in Congress.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit seeking the swearing-in of Democrat Adelita Grijalva as the state’s newest member of Congress. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, demands that the U.S. House of Representatives allow Grijalva to take her oath of office following her victory in a special election held on September 23, 2025. This election marked a significant milestone, as Grijalva became the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress.
Despite winning the election, Grijalva has yet to be seated due to actions taken by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson has not only refused to administer Grijalva’s oath but has also cited a government shutdown as the reason for the delay, leading to considerable frustration. Mayes argued that this delay has left over 800,000 constituents without representation in Congress, which is a critical issue for the community.
The lawsuit contends that if Johnson continues to refuse to seat Grijalva, a federal judge should permit someone else to administer her oath of office. The case seeks to clarify whether an elected representative can be denied their constitutional right to take office based on the House Speaker’s decisions. Mayes’s office emphasized the importance of ensuring timely representation for the constituents who voted for Grijalva.
Further complicating the situation, Grijalva’s father, Raúl Grijalva, was a progressive Democrat who previously held the same congressional seat before his death in March 2025. Adelita Grijalva won the special election decisively against Republican challenger Daniel Butierez. The delay in seating her has raised concerns about her ability to serve her constituents effectively, including signing a lease for congressional office space.
Speaker Johnson claims that Grijalva will be sworn in when the House returns to session, suggesting that Mayes’s lawsuit is an attempt for publicity rather than a genuine concern for representation. Johnson has also characterized the lawsuit as “patently absurd” and defended his actions by stating they follow House precedent.
Furthermore, some Democrats have accused Johnson of deliberately delaying Grijalva’s swearing-in. They argue that this may influence the timing of a potential vote on the release of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, illustrating the heightened political tensions within Congress over representation and election-related matters.
Christian Fong, an expert in Congressional procedure, noted that the lawsuit is unlikely to bring about a significant change in the timeline of Grijalva’s swearing-in. Typically, lawmakers who win special elections take their oaths during legislative business days. In such cases, new members of Congress are often welcomed with applause from their peers. However, Johnson has previously sworn in Republican representatives shortly after their elections, raising questions about the inconsistency of his current approach regarding Grijalva’s situation.
The ongoing legal battle and the circumstances surrounding it highlight the broader political tensions between Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress. The outcome of the lawsuit will not only determine Grijalva’s status but could also set important precedents regarding the rights of elected officials and the processes they must navigate to serve their constituents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZ Central
- The Hill
- KTAR News
- Axios
- Politico
- Wikipedia: Adelita Grijalva
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- Google News: Adelita Grijalva Congress
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
