On September 24, 2025, southern Arizona made history as Adelita Grijalva clinched a landslide victory in the special election for the U.S. House seat long held by her late father, Raúl Grijalva. In a contest that drew national attention, Grijalva, a Democrat and former Pima County supervisor, defeated Republican Daniel Butierez to represent Arizona’s 7th Congressional District—a vast region stretching across most of the state’s border with Mexico and encompassing parts of Tucson.
According to Decision Desk HQ, Grijalva’s win was widely anticipated. The district has been a Democratic stronghold since Arizona achieved statehood in 1912, and voter registration tilts nearly two-to-one in favor of Democrats. Early results, reported by the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, showed Grijalva receiving more than 70% of the vote, more than doubling Butierez’s tally. In her victory message on social media, Grijalva wrote, “Thank you, #AZ07. We made history — juntos. Now, let’s get to work!”
This win carries special significance for Arizona and the nation. Grijalva is now the first Latina to represent the state in Congress, a milestone celebrated by supporters at a Tucson events center with music, food, and speeches in both English and Spanish. “This victory belongs to the people — el pueblo,” Grijalva said, reflecting on the legacy of her father, who passed away in March after decades as a unifying figure for environmentalists, reproductive and immigrant rights advocates, and LGBTQ+ organizers. “Fifty years later, that movement is alive and well in all of us.”
Butierez, a small-business owner who previously ran against Raúl Grijalva in 2024, conceded defeat on election night. Addressing supporters, he remarked, “We gave it a heck of a run. And where I’m at right now, the way I’m looking at this, I mean — the homelessness out there the city wants, the homeless out there is what the city’s going to have because that’s what they’re going to have with my opponent. If that’s what they wanted, we can’t argue with that.” Butierez had campaigned on border security and addressing homelessness, an issue he has experienced firsthand.
Grijalva’s campaign, meanwhile, focused on environmental justice, health care, and defending programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. She also pledged to work on curbing presidential authority over tariffs and to prioritize the interests of ordinary people over billionaires and corporations. “There’s an opportunity for us to try to convince people that who they need to represent is the people that elected them and their community and not billionaires and corporations,” she told reporters, as cited by UPI.
The political implications of Grijalva’s victory extend far beyond Arizona. Her win narrows the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to 219-214, leaving the GOP with only a two-vote margin on legislation if all members are present. This razor-thin margin gives Democrats newfound leverage, especially with a looming September 30 government shutdown deadline. As Nexstar Media notes, the reduced majority means Republicans can afford only two defections, making every vote—and every seat—crucial in the weeks ahead.
One immediate consequence of Grijalva’s arrival in Congress is her pledge to sign a discharge petition spearheaded by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). The petition seeks to force a vote on legislation requiring the Justice Department to release unclassified files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. With Grijalva’s support, Massie and Khanna will reach the 218 signatures needed to bring the measure to the House floor. “This is as much about fulfilling Congress’ duty as a constitutional check on this administration as it is about demanding justice for survivors,” Grijalva said, according to UPI. “The days of turning a blind eye to Trump must end.”
The Epstein files have been a persistent source of controversy in Washington. The White House, under scrutiny for its handling of the case, faced criticism after the Justice Department determined earlier this year that Epstein did not have a “client list,” despite speculation to the contrary from some Trump allies. The Justice Department also confirmed Epstein’s 2019 death was by suicide while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges, not the result of foul play. The issue has dogged Trump throughout his second administration, with the former president dismissing calls for transparency as a “Democratic hoax.”
House GOP leadership has attempted to address concerns among its base by holding private meetings with some of Epstein’s accusers and releasing certain documents from Epstein’s estate. However, other efforts to subpoena additional records have been blocked by Republican members, further fueling calls for a more open investigation. The Democratic National Committee, celebrating Grijalva’s win, highlighted her commitment to transparency and justice in the Epstein case as a key reason her election strengthens their position in Congress.
For the Grijalva family, this victory marks both a personal and political milestone. Adelita Grijalva entered the race shortly after her father’s passing, having retired earlier in 2025 from the Pima County Board of Supervisors. She consistently cited her father’s legacy as a driving force behind her campaign and her vision for Arizona. Her election not only continues a family tradition of public service but also signals a generational shift in leadership for the district.
The 7th Congressional District’s demographics have played a significant role in shaping its political identity. With a predominantly Hispanic population and a deep-rooted Democratic tradition, the district has consistently elected progressive candidates focused on social justice, workers’ rights, and environmental protection. Kamala Harris won the district by 22 points in the 2024 presidential election, and Raúl Grijalva had secured it by nearly 27 points in his final race.
Grijalva’s overwhelming victory—garnering more than twice the votes of her opponent—underscores the enduring strength of Democratic values in the region. Friends and family, gathered on election night, saw her win as both a tribute to her father’s legacy and a step forward for representation and equity in Arizona politics.
As the new Congresswoman prepares to take office, all eyes will be on how her presence influences the balance of power in Washington and the fate of key legislative battles. With the House majority hanging by a thread, Grijalva’s vote could prove pivotal—not just for the Epstein files, but for a host of issues affecting the nation.
In the end, Adelita Grijalva’s victory is more than a family succession; it’s a moment of transformation for Arizona and a potential turning point for the U.S. House of Representatives.
