Daughter of late Dem congressman launches campaign for father’s seat

Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva has officially announced her candidacy for the upcoming special election to fill the seat left vacant by her late father, Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz. Adelita made the decision to run for Arizona’s Seventh Congressional District following her father’s funeral, fulfilling her promise to make her intentions clear.

In a heartfelt launch video posted on X, Adelita emphasized that she is the daughter of a man who dedicated his life to advocating for justice, equity, and dignity for marginalized communities. She highlighted the promise of America, where someone can transition from working as a vaquero to serving in Congress in a single generation. Adelita expressed her commitment to preserving this vision of America for her three children, while also acknowledging the current threats posed by President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and a group of billionaires who she believes are undermining the country’s most fundamental rights.

Within hours of launching her campaign, Adelita successfully garnered enough signatures to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot. The primary election is scheduled for July 15, with the general election set for September 23. Adelita will be facing off against former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez, who has already raised over $200,000 in campaign funds.

The sudden passing of Rep. Raul Grijalva last month due to lung cancer left a void in the Democratic stronghold district. Adelita’s decision to run for her father’s seat underscores her commitment to carrying on his legacy of advocating for progressive values and social justice. Additionally, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who was considering a bid for the seat, has opted to seek re-election instead.

The Seventh Congressional District encompasses a significant portion of Arizona’s southern border, making issues related to immigration and border security key points of discussion in the upcoming election. Adelita’s entry into the race brings a fresh perspective and a continuation of her father’s legacy of fighting for the rights of all Arizonans.

As the special election approaches, Adelita Grijalva’s campaign will undoubtedly focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing the district and upholding the values that her father stood for throughout his tenure in Congress. Her candidacy represents a new chapter in Arizona politics, one that seeks to build on the foundation laid by her father and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all residents of the Seventh Congressional District.