Adelita Grijalva, daughter of US Congressman Raúl Grijalva, has announced her candidacy for the congressional seat vacated by her father’s passing.
In an interview with the PRT, Grijalva said that the decision was challenging as she was grieving for her father and had to consider how running for the congressional seat would affect her family.
“As a mother of three children and a wife, this decision will impact everyone during a time when they need me,” she said. Her children are 14, 16, and 18 years old.
On March 13, Raúl Grijalva passed away from complications with cancer treatments at age 77. In his early years, Grijalva was Leader of the Raza Unida Party, which focused on improving education and civil rights for Latinos, particularly Mexican Americans, by advocating for bilingual education and greater representation in history teachings.
Adelita said one of her first memories was at age three, when her parents were pushing her in a stroller at a march in support of advancing quality education. He was an activist, but after losing an election for the school board, he adopted a more moderate approach. From 1974, until advancing to Congress he served on the TUSD Board and Pima County Board of Supervisors (BOS). His daughter now serves on the BOS. He also served as Director of the El Pueblo Neighborhood Center and Assistant Dean for Hispanic Student Affairs, at the University of Arizona where he graduated with a degree in sociology.
After leaving the Board of Supervisors and winning his seat in Congress in 2002, Rep. Grijalva joined the House Natural Resources Committee. He advocated for endangered species, wilderness, national parks, public lands, and stricter oil and gas regulations. In 2023, President Biden signed a national proclamation to protect nearly one million acres of federal public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park which Grijalva had sponsored. His daughter said that her father was most proud of all his work on natural resources and his ability to secure funds effectively.
Grijalva attempted for years to require hard rock mining companies to pay royalties. He also aimed to amend the General Mining Act of 1872, which allows mining on federal land. He argued that current regulations permit mining without sufficient oversight or accountability for its impacts, a battle that continues today. Grand Canyon Trust described Congressman Grijalva as “a longtime advocate for the environment, environmental justice, tribal sovereignty and the Grand Canyon,” adding that his conservation legacy will live on across Arizona and well beyond.
Grijalva was a champion of the working class and low income families. His daughter said he did not talk much about his accomplishments and never saught to gain attention, but she was struck by his dedication to service. “He was in it for the work,” she said.
Ms. Grijalva, who serves as Chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, has focused on community issues such as affordable housing, education, climate, water resiliency, health, and safety. She was elected by 75% of her community. She expressed gratitude to her constituents, but said that, due to Arizona’s “Resign to Run Law,” she will have to resign from her current office to run for a congressional seat.
Ms. Grijalva expressed concern about recent executive orders, noting the need for checks and balances between the judicial, legislative and executive branches. She emphasized that significant actions, such as changes to the Department of Education, should be carefully considered. She called on all members of Congress to fulfill their duties to their communities, regardless of political affiliation or re-election concerns.
Ms. Grijalva has not asked for support or endorsements yet. She stated she has a good relationship with both senators in Arizona and feels supported by the communities she serves. During her father’s funeral, many of his colleagues expressed their support.
Ms. Grijalva shared that her name, “Adelita,” was inspired by a song and represents the brave women of the Mexican revolution, hinting at her future role as a national leader.
As of March 26, 22 individuals had declared their intention to run for the seat in the special election. The candidates include 10 Republicans, 10 Democrats, one Libertarian, and one Green Party member. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who initially showed interest, recently announced he would not be running. According to AZ Central, election analysts anticipate a competitive race between former State Representative Daniel Hernandez Jr. and Adelita Grijalva.
The primary election will take place on July 15, and the general election will be held in September. Congressional District 7 is anchored in Tucson in Pima County and spans to southern Arizona from San Luis and Somerton to Nogales, Bisbee and Douglas, up to Avondale and Tolleson with parts in Cochise Maricopa, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma Counties.