TUCSON, Ariz. — Adelita Grijalva, a longtime public servant and daughter of the late U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva, has officially announced her candidacy for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District (CD7). The seat was left vacant following the death of her father, a progressive champion who represented Southern Arizona for two decades.
Carrying on a Legacy
Raúl Grijalva, a prominent Democratic lawmaker known for his advocacy on environmental issues, immigration reform, and workers’ rights, passed away earlier this month at age 77 after a battle with lung cancer. His passing marked the end of an era in Arizona politics, as he had been a steadfast voice for progressive policies since taking office in 2003. (House.gov)
His daughter, Adelita Grijalva, steps into the race with extensive experience in local government. She has served on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board for over two decades and, since 2020, has been a Pima County Supervisor. In these roles, she has prioritized investments in public education, affordable housing, and environmental conservation, aligning closely with her father’s progressive stance. (Pima County)
“I’ve spent my life as an advocate, fighting for the brighter future we all deserve,” Grijalva said in her campaign announcement. “I will continue that fight in Congress to ensure working families, students, and vulnerable communities have a voice in Washington.” (Adelita Grijalva Campaign)
A Competitive Race
Grijalva is expected to face stiff competition in the upcoming special election. Daniel Hernandez, a former Arizona state representative and congressional candidate, has also entered the race. Hernandez is well-known in Tucson politics and has a strong fundraising base. The Democratic primary will likely determine the next representative, as the district is predominantly Democratic and Latino. (Arizona Secretary of State)
The special primary election is scheduled for July 15, 2025, with the general election set for September 23, 2025. These dates were set by Governor Katie Hobbs following Raúl Grijalva’s passing. (Arizona Elections)
Policy Priorities
If elected, Adelita Grijalva has vowed to champion many of the same issues her father fought for, including:
- Education Reform: Strengthening public schools and making college more affordable.
- Affordable Housing: Expanding resources for low-income housing and homelessness prevention.
- Environmental Protection: Defending the Sonoran Desert and advocating for stronger climate policies.
- Healthcare Access: Ensuring Arizona residents have affordable healthcare coverage.
- Workers’ Rights: Pushing for fair wages and protections for labor unions.
She has also positioned herself as a staunch opponent of conservative figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk, whom she accuses of contributing to the country’s growing inequality.
The District and Its Importance
Arizona’s 7th Congressional District encompasses much of Tucson and parts of Pima County, a region with a significant Latino population. The district has historically leaned Democratic, making the primary election the most crucial battleground in the race.
Raúl Grijalva’s tenure saw strong support from progressive organizations and local unions, and Adelita is expected to receive endorsements from many of these same groups. However, she will need to solidify her own political identity while leveraging her father’s legacy.
Looking Ahead
As the campaign heats up, voters will have the opportunity to hear more from Grijalva and her challengers in debates and public forums. Given the district’s Democratic tilt, the race is expected to be closely watched at both state and national levels.
Voter registration and election information can be found at the Arizona Secretary of State’s website: https://azsos.gov/elections.
With the primary election just months away, Adelita Grijalva is positioning herself as a candidate ready to continue her father’s legacy while carving out her own path in Arizona politics. The coming months will determine whether she will be able to carry on the family name in Washington and continue fighting for progressive policies that have long defined Arizona’s 7th District.
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