Eight Contenders Set for Ballot in CD7 Special Primary Showdown

As the special election for Congressional District 7 approaches, a total of five Democrats and three Republicans have submitted their nominating petitions ahead of the deadline on April 14. This election seeks to fill the vacancy left by the late U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva.

Among the Democratic candidates is Adelita Grijalva, the late congressman’s daughter, who recently resigned from the Pima County Board of Supervisors to pursue the position. She is joined by former state lawmaker Daniel Hernandez, Gen Z activist Deja Foxx, and lesser-known candidates Patrick Harris Sr. and Jose Malvido Jr.

On the Republican side, Daniel Butierez, who previously ran against Grijalva and secured 37 percent of the vote, has filed to run again. He is joined by fellow Republicans Jorge Rivas and Jimmy Rodriguez, both of whom bring diverse backgrounds to the race.

Early voting will begin on June 18 for the primary election scheduled for July 15. The voter registration figures show that 40 percent are Democrats, 21 percent are Republicans, and the remaining 39 percent are independents, indicating a competitive landscape.

Raúl Grijalva passed away on March 13 at the age of 77 after battling lung cancer. Having represented Southern Arizona in Congress since 2002, his contributions were significant, and his funeral took place on March 26. Adelita Grijalva has expressed a desire to continue her father’s legacy, stating, “This community deserves the bold leadership that they’ve had with my dad for the last 22 years.”

Daniel Hernandez emphasized his commitment to serving the community that nurtured him, aiming to be a voice for essential programs facing potential cuts. Meanwhile, Deja Foxx has gained national attention as a prominent advocate for social justice and abortion rights, having worked on Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.

Jose Malvido has dedicated himself to supporting indigenous communities and is pursuing a doctorate in Mexican-American studies. On the Republican front, Butierez’s previous experience and personal triumphs serve as a compelling narrative in his campaign. Jorge Rivas, an immigrant from El Salvador, has made a name for himself in the restaurant business while navigating his own political journey.

Additionally, three write-in candidates are listed with the Arizona Secretary of State: Richard Grayson on the No Labels ticket, Andy “Native Son of Az” Fernandez Jr. on the Libertarian ticket, and Gary Swing as a write-in for the Green Party.