Adelita Grijalva has officially secured her place in the U.S. House of Representatives, winning the special election to replace her late father, Raúl Grijalva, in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District.
On Tuesday night, Adelita won in decisive fashion, taking more than 70% of the vote against Republican candidate Daniel Butierez. The district, which covers Tucson and parts of southern Arizona, has long been a Democratic stronghold, and her victory came as little surprise.
Carrying on a Family Legacy
The election was triggered by the passing of Raúl Grijalva in March 2025. He had represented Arizona in Congress for more than two decades and was known as a leading progressive voice on issues ranging from the environment to immigration.
Adelita, who previously served as a Pima County supervisor, ran her campaign on a promise to continue much of her father’s work. She has focused on expanding healthcare access, protecting Arizona’s natural resources, supporting immigrant families, and defending democracy.
Speaking to supporters after her win, she said, “This is not just about carrying my father’s legacy, but about making sure our community’s voice stays strong in Washington.”
A Boost for Democrats in Washington
Beyond its local significance, Adelita’s victory also has national implications. Her swearing-in will help narrow the slim Republican majority in the House, giving Democrats more leverage in upcoming votes.
One of her first expected moves in Congress is to support a petition that could force the release of unclassified files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation—a vote that may come down to just one or two members.
A New Chapter in Arizona Politics
The 7th District is one of the most reliably Democratic areas in the country, but the campaign was still closely watched. Earlier this year, Adelita faced a spirited primary challenge from young activist Deja Foxx, who argued that the district needed a generational change. Ultimately, Adelita prevailed easily and went on to dominate in the general election.
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Now, as she prepares to take office, Adelita says her focus is on working for the people of southern Arizona while honoring her father’s decades of service.
“This seat belongs to the community,” she told voters. “I am humbled to serve and ready to get to work.”