Additional Coverage:
- Adelita Grijalva wins Democratic primary in Arizona to replace her father in US House, CNN projects (cnn.com)
Tucson, AZ — Adelita Grijalva is projected to win the Democratic primary for Arizona’s 7th congressional district, according to CNN. Grijalva, a former Pima County supervisor, will likely face Republican Daniel Butierez in the September 23rd general election. Butierez is also projected to win his party’s primary.
The 7th district, encompassing parts of Tucson and a significant portion of Arizona’s southern border with Mexico, has been without representation since the passing of Grijalva’s father, Raul Grijalva, in March. The elder Grijalva, a two-decade veteran of the House and former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, succumbed to complications from cancer treatment.
Adelita Grijalva entered the race with significant momentum, securing key endorsements from high-profile figures including Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly, as well as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her campaign emphasized her commitment to continuing her father’s legacy. Like her father, she served on both the Tucson Unified School District governing board and the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
Grijalva’s victory came despite challenges from other candidates, including former state Representative Daniel Hernandez and activist Deja Foxx, who attempted to portray her as the establishment candidate. Grijalva countered this narrative, highlighting her earned endorsements and her own record of advocacy, which includes running diversion programs at Pima County’s Teen Court.