Adelita Grijalva Advances to Special Election in Arizona

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

Voters in Tucson gather to discuss the upcoming election and important political issues.

News Summary

Adelita Grijalva has been nominated in southern Arizona to advance to a special general election, aiming to fill her late father’s congressional seat. Winning the Democratic primary with 62% of the votes, she will face Republican Daniel Butierez in the September 2025 election. Her campaign focuses on key issues including democracy, immigrant rights, and healthcare access, emphasizing grassroots engagement in a district that leans heavily Democratic.

TUCSON, ARIZONA – Adelita Grijalva has been nominated by voters in southern Arizona to advance to a special general election, as she seeks to fill the congressional seat left vacant by her late father, U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva, in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Raúl Grijalva passed away in March 2023, leaving his position open for the first time in over two decades.

Adelita Grijalva won the Democratic primary decisively, garnering 62% of the expected votes against her rivals Deja Foxx and Daniel Hernandez, who received 20% and a lesser share, respectively. Her campaign has benefited from significant endorsements from prominent figures in the Democratic Party, including U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders.

The special general election is set for September 23, 2025. Adelita Grijalva will face Daniel Butierez, the Republican nominee, who had previously acquired more than one-third of the vote in the 2024 election against Raúl Grijalva. Other Republican candidates in the race included Jimmy Rodriguez and Jorge Rivas.

The 7th Congressional District is predominantly Democratic, encompassing much of Arizona’s border with Mexico and including significant portions of Tucson. Democrats currently hold a nearly 2-1 registration advantage over Republicans in the district, which positions Adelita Grijalva as a strong candidate for the upcoming election. While the special election will not impact the overall control of the U.S. House, it does address one of three vacancies within districts that lean heavily Democratic.

Adelita Grijalva, who emphasizes her commitment to a number of critical issues, stated that her campaign priorities include upholding democracy, supporting immigrant rights, and protecting access to Medicaid and Medicare. Her focus has been on community engagement, highlighting the importance of meaningful dialogues with constituents over mere personal popularity.

Her late father, Raúl Grijalva, was a significant figure in U.S. politics, recognized as one of the most senior and progressive leaders on Capitol Hill. Over his 20-year tenure, he was known for championing environmental protections and advocating for the rights of immigrants and Native Americans. His legacy continues to influence the political landscape, and Adelita Grijalva aims to uphold the values he fought for throughout his career.

As the election approaches, Adelita Grijalva’s campaign will rely on a grassroots approach, engaging with voters and ensuring their voices are heard. She has already expressed that her primary victory represents a win not only for herself but for the progressive movement that her father championed for more than 50 years.

The political climate in Arizona’s 7th District remains dynamic, with voters gearing up for a pivotal election that could shape the future representation of their community. With a rich history of Democratic values and a strong grassroots base, Adelita Grijalva is poised to continue her father’s legacy while addressing the evolving needs of her constituents.