On September 23, 2025, Adelita Grijalva made history as the first Latina elected to represent Arizona in Congress, winning the special election for the state’s 7th Congressional District, a seat previously held by her late father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva.
Her election marks a milestone for representation in Arizona, where Latinas make up a quarter of women voters in Arizona, and comes at a moment when her first act in Congress could shift the balance of power on a major transparency effort involving the Jeffrey Epstein case files.
Grijalva’s win represents a breakthrough in Arizona politics. A border state with a significant Latino population, Arizona has long been shaped by Latino culture, labor, and political influence. Yet until now, it had never sent a Latina to Congress.
Her election symbolizes progress for a state where debates over immigration, education, and civil rights remain significant in priority in marginalized communities.
Grijalva’s father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, represented southern Arizona for over two decades and was known for his progressive policies specializing in immigrant rights, tribal sovereignty, and environmental justice. Following his death in March of 2025, Adelita announced her candidacy for the special election.
Her campaign sparked debate over whether her run would extend a political dynasty or bring renewal to progressive politics. Grijalva responded to criticism about nepotism saying “Chances are, you’ve seen yet another attack piece filled with lies about my record. I’m not a Rockefeller; I’m a Grijalva from the Southside.”
Beyond her family legacy, Grijalva built a career rooted in public service. She worked for over 20 years in a juvenile court diversion program in Pima County, helping young people avoid incarceration through restorative justice. She served as the youngest woman elected to the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, later becoming board president. More recently, she chaired the Pima County Board of Supervisors, where she pushed for affordable housing, climate resilience, and expanded educational access.
This trajectory grounds her as a candidate who pairs personal heritage with hands-on leadership in her community. Grijalva has said she views her victory as a responsibility to both honor her community and inspire others. “This is about continuing the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity for all Arizonans,” she told supporters on election night.
Grijalva’s first act once being sworn in is expected to be the 218th decisive signature on the bipartisan efforts to force the release of Justice Department files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. On September 29th, 2025 she stated on X, “I will be the 218th signature on the discharge petition on the Epstein files.” Before her election, they were one signature short of the threshold needed to move the measure forward.
However, Speaker Mike Johnson, has been accused of postponing Grijalva’s swearing-in, as an attempt to delay a vote on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Grijalva has called him out on this, when she explained, “Apparently the rules have now changed in two weeks, and we’re being asked for official results. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I’m number 218.”
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) amplified those concerns in a letter blasting Johnson’s “reckless” cancellation of votes, arguing the delay raises questions about whether the motive is to block the release of the files. Johnson has denied all accusations of delaying her vote and claims this is “standard procedure.”
Grijalva’s long-term focus is grounded in the issues she has championed locally. She has expressed interest in serving on the House Education and Workforce Committee, on top of her decades-long engagement in public education. She has also emphasized environmental justice, housing, tribal sovereignty, and immigration reform as core priorities, following her father’s.
Adelita Grijalva’s victory in Arizona’s 7th District is historic, consequential, and deeply symbolic. As the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress, she embodies a milestone in representation and how fresh voices can shape the future of American politics.