Adelita Grijalva Seeks to Honor Legacy by Campaigning for Father’s U.S. House Seat

Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva has officially launched her campaign for the Congressional seat previously held by her father, the late U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva, who passed away on March 13 at the age of 77. Adelita Grijalva expressed her commitment to continue the legacy of bold leadership established by her father over the past 22 years. “Southern Arizona deserves representatives who will stand firm against extremism,” she stated in an interview.

The upcoming primary for Congressional District 7 is scheduled for July 15, with early voting starting June 18. Voter registration statistics show that 40 percent of District 7’s electorate are Democrats, while 21 percent identify as Republicans, and 39 percent are independent voters. Grijalva emphasized the need for active participation, saying, “We’re not living in normal times; we need to make our voices heard.”

Grijalva pointed to significant issues facing the nation, particularly challenging the actions of President Donald Trump, who she believes is undermining government programs and health care protections. She cautioned that proposed budget cuts to programs like Medicaid could severely harm Arizona’s vulnerable populations. “If these cuts proceed, it will devastate families who rely on essential services,” she warned, particularly mentioning children and seniors affected by such decisions.

Adelita Grijalva proudly identifies with her father’s priorities, which include advocating for education, environmental sustainability, and immigrant rights. She brings substantial experience from her two decades on the Tucson Unified School District board and her long tenure at a nonprofit focused on supporting low-income families.

Support for her campaign has been strong, with endorsements from Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and several local Democratic leaders. Romero stated, “Adelita Grijalva is a results-driven leader who fights for good jobs, our children, and our environment.” Grijalva also plans to resign from her current position on the Pima County Board of Supervisors soon, allowing for the appointment of her successor until a special election in 2026.

In the 2020 race for the District 5 seat, Grijalva won the Democratic primary with 68 percent of the vote, later securing 74 percent in the general election. She is now poised to face off against Daniel Hernandez, brother of her former opponent Consuelo Hernandez, who expressed his intent to represent the district and advocate for essential programs threatened by the current administration.

As she prepares for this new political chapter, Grijalva reflects on her deep roots in the community and her desire to serve with integrity. “I will work tirelessly to represent every person in this community and continue to champion the issues that matter,” she affirmed.

Grijalva’s campaign is set against a dynamic political landscape, where voter engagement and advocacy are more critical than ever in addressing the needs of Southern Arizona. The upcoming months will be pivotal as candidates position themselves to sway an engaged electorate.