Swearing In Adelita Grijalva: A Call for Representation

The political landscape in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District remains unsettled as the newly elected representative, Adelita Grijalva, has yet to be sworn in, leaving over 800,000 constituents without a voice in Congress. Following the death of her father, Raúl M. Grijalva, on March 13, 2025, Adelita won a special election on September 23, 2025, capturing 69% of the vote against her Republican opponent. Despite this decisive victory, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has not administered the oath of office, citing procedural issues related to the ongoing government shutdown.

Adelita Grijalva’s election is particularly significant for Native communities within her district, which includes the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and Cocopah Tribe. Each of these communities has experienced underrepresentation for years, and the absence of a representative is felt deeply. The 2024 Census estimates that over 30,000 Native people reside in this district, highlighting the urgency of having a dedicated advocate in Congress.

Political Maneuvering Behind Delays

Critics from both sides of the aisle express skepticism regarding Johnson’s stated concerns over procedural norms. Many believe the delay in swearing in Adelita Grijalva is more about political strategy than actual protocol. Her presence in Congress would provide the crucial 218th vote necessary to advance a bipartisan discharge petition aimed at releasing Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender with connections across the political spectrum.

“The people of Southern Arizona have voted clearly, yet more than 812,000 people are still denied their voice in Congress,” said Adelita Grijalva.

This situation highlights a troubling trend: while special elections in Republican-leaning districts have historically seen winners seated without obstruction, the same cannot be said for Grijalva. Delays such as this can erode public trust in the democratic process, sending a message that certain voices are more valuable than others.

Johnson’s claim that the delay is “standard practice” does not hold when examining how Congress has operated in the past. Members have been sworn in during recesses and pro forma sessions, suggesting that flexibility exists when it is politically convenient. In this instance, however, the rules appear to have solidified, aligning with the interests of maintaining a slim Republican majority.

The Impact on Representation

As the clock ticks, the practical effects of Adelita Grijalva’s delayed swearing-in become more pronounced. Her office currently lacks essential resources, such as computers and access to the congressional email system, hindering her ability to serve her constituents effectively. For the Native populations in her district, this absence is particularly disheartening, as they often confront systemic neglect and underrepresentation.

The situation raises questions about the integrity of representative democracy. Each election is a promise that the will of the people will be honored, yet delays like this risk undermining that promise. The consequences extend beyond party lines; they reflect a broader issue of how political strategies can disenfranchise entire communities.

Every moment that Adelita Grijalva remains unseated translates to a loss of representation for hundreds of thousands of Americans, both Native and non-Native. As the House of Representatives continues to function without her voice, the critical issues facing her district, especially those concerning tribal sovereignty and environmental justice, remain inadequately addressed.

It is imperative for Speaker Johnson to prioritize the democratic process and allow Adelita Grijalva to take her rightful place in Congress. This isn’t merely about the swearing-in ceremony; it is about the fundamental right of voters to have their choices honored. The people of Arizona’s 7th District deserve a representative who can advocate for their needs and concerns without unnecessary delay.

In the spirit of democracy, it is time for the political games to cease. Adelita Grijalva must be sworn in without further obstruction, ensuring that the voices of her constituents can finally be heard. As she aptly noted, the silence must end; the representation must begin.