Daughter of Late Dem Congressman Launches Campaign for Father's Seat: 'Building Something Powerful'

Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late Democratic Congressman Raul Grijalva from Arizona, has announced her candidacy for her father's seat in the upcoming special election for Arizona's Seventh Congressional District. With a district that leans heavily Democratic, this race is set to attract significant attention.

Grijalva, currently serving as a Pima County Supervisor, launched her campaign with a heartfelt video tribute to her father's legacy. She described him as "a man who spent his life fighting for justice, equity, and dignity for the most vulnerable communities." From working as a vaquero to serving in Congress, Raul Grijalva embodied the promise of opportunity in America—an ideal his daughter is now determined to preserve.

In her campaign video, Adelita highlighted threats she believes are jeopardizing these ideals. She pointed to figures like former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and what she described as a "gang of billionaires" who, in her view, are targeting the nation’s most sacred rights. A strong start to her campaign, Grijalva quickly gathered enough signatures to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot, achieving this milestone in less than five hours.

The minimum requirement for Democrats to enter the race is 798 verified signatures, while the maximum cap is 31,906, according to Arizona's Secretary of State. The primary election is scheduled for July 15, followed by the general election on September 23.

Adelita's competition includes former state Representative Daniel Hernandez, who has already raised over $200,000 for his campaign. Hernandez shared his excitement on social media, calling the support "powerful" and promising to continue his work for Arizona.

Meanwhile, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who had considered entering the race, announced his decision to stay out and focus on his re-election bid instead. Fontes emphasized his commitment to defending America in his current role.

The Seventh Congressional District spans much of Arizona's southern border, making it a politically and culturally significant area. The race will not only determine the successor to Raul Grijalva but also set the tone for Democratic representation in this key region.