Adelita Grijalva Triumphs in Arizona Democratic Primary for 7th District

In a decisive victory, Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva, has clinched the Democratic primary for Arizona's 7th Congressional District. This win marks a significant step toward carrying forward her father’s legacy in a region that spans from Tucson to Yuma, encompassing much of Arizona’s southern border with Mexico.

Adelita, a former Pima County Supervisor, outshone four other contenders in this deeply blue district. Her campaign resonated with voters, backed by heavyweights of the Democratic establishment like Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as progressive icons such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In her victory speech, she emphasized community representation over personal acclaim, stating, "This campaign was about giving voice to this community, not about social media likes."

Among her challengers was Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old social media influencer and activist who gained attention as a teen for confronting former Sen. Jeff Flake on reproductive rights. Despite a late surge and endorsements from gun-control advocate David Hogg, Foxx couldn’t replicate the upset magic seen in other recent Democratic primaries. Her passionate address to supporters highlighted the energy she brought to the race, but it wasn’t enough to topple Grijalva’s established support.

This primary wasn’t just a contest of candidates; it reflected the ongoing tug-of-war within the Democratic Party between its establishment and progressive wings, as well as generational divides. Other notable candidates included former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez, known for his heroic actions during the 2011 shooting of Rep. Gabby Giffords, alongside Indigenous activist Jose Malvido Jr. and former healthcare executive Patrick Harris Sr.

With over $2 million spent on ads, this race underscored the high stakes in a majority-Hispanic district where Democrats hold a near two-to-one advantage over Republicans. As Adelita Grijalva advances to the September 23 special election against GOP nominee Daniel Butierez, she remains the frontrunner to complete the final 15 months of her late father’s term, who passed away in March due to cancer treatment complications.

Her journey forward will be one to watch, as she builds on a foundation of service while navigating the complex currents of a party—and a district—at a crossroads.