Debates Heat Up Ahead of Southern Arizona’s Special Congressional Election

A series of political events is scheduled in the Tucson area as candidates prepare for the upcoming special election. Notably, televised debates are set for June, leading into early voting.

Five Democrats and three Republicans are vying for a spot in the July 15 primary for Congressional District 7. These debates, co-sponsored by Arizona Public Media, the Arizona Media Association, and others, will be broadcast on June 9 and June 10. Early voting kicks off on June 18.

The Democrats include:

• Adelita Grijalva, the daughter of the late Congressman Raul Grijalva, who recently stepped down from the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
• Former state lawmaker Daniel Hernandez, who has previously run for Congress.
• Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old influencer making her political debut after working on Kamala Harris’ presidential bid.
• Retired businessman Patrick Harris, also a first-time candidate.
• Jose Malvido Jr., a doctoral candidate focusing on Mexican-American studies.

The Republican candidates are:

• Daniel Butierez, who captured 37% of the vote against Raul Grijalva in 2024.
• Jorge Rivas, an immigrant and restaurant owner who gained attention for his political views.
• Jimmy Rodriguez, known for his involvement in the racing circuit, received 18% of the vote in his previous congressional run.

The primary winners will advance to a special election on September 23, supported by additional debates.

In Congressional District 7, Democrats hold a substantial voter registration advantage: 40% are registered as Democrats, compared to 21% Republicans. The district encompasses Tucson, Yuma, Nogales, Douglas, and several other areas in Southern Arizona. Pima County houses nearly 61% of the district’s voters.

Raúl Grijalva, who passed away in March after battling lung cancer, served Southern Arizona since 2002, leaving a notable legacy.

Three write-in candidates will not participate in the debates: Richard Grayson (No Labels), Gary Swing (Green Party), and Andy “Native Son of Az” Fernandez Jr. (Libertarian).

Further political engagements include a guest appearance by Tucson Sentinel reporter Jim Nintzel on the Buckmaster show featuring various guests and discussions on local issues.

As the election cycle approaches, several important deadlines will mark the calendar, with early voting and registration deadlines for both the special election and city council races in the Tucson area.