Politics in Southern Arizona can feel like a family business, but Adelita Grijalva is proving she’s more than just a famous last name. Most folks looking up Adelita Grijalva election results are usually hunting for one of two things: her solid re-election to the Pima County Board of Supervisors in late 2024, or her historic jump to Congress in the 2025 special election.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for her.
She basically spent the end of 2024 securing her local seat, only to have her world—and the local political landscape—turned upside down by the passing of her father, the legendary Rep. Raúl Grijalva. If you’re trying to keep the timeline straight, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster.
The 2024 Pima County Victory
Back in November 2024, things looked pretty "business as usual" for District 5. Grijalva was the incumbent, and she had a massive head start. She’s been a fixture in Tucson politics since 2002, when she was the youngest woman ever elected to the TUSD Governing Board.
By the time the November 5, 2024 general election rolled around, she was facing Val Romero, an independent candidate.
The results weren't even close.
Grijalva pulled in 54,700 votes, which accounted for about 73.3% of the total. Romero trailed far behind with 19,524 votes (roughly 26.2%). It was a dominant performance that should have seen her through a full four-year term on the Board of Supervisors. She’d already served as Chair and Vice-Chair, pushing for things like land acknowledgments for the Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
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But then, everything changed.
The Pivot to Congress in 2025
When Raúl Grijalva passed away in March 2025, it left a massive void in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. This isn't just any district; it’s a sprawling area that runs along almost the entire Arizona-Mexico border.
Adelita had a choice. Stay in the local role she’d just won, or run for the seat her father held for over two decades.
She chose the latter.
Under Arizona’s "resign-to-run" laws, she had to step down from the Pima County Board. Her resignation became effective April 4, 2025. This triggered a special election that became one of the most watched races in the Southwest.
The Primary Heat
The Democratic primary on July 15, 2025, was where the real drama happened. She wasn't just handed the nomination. She had to fight off serious challengers like Deja Foxx and Daniel Hernández Jr.
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Foxx, a Gen-Z activist with a huge following, and Hernández, a former state representative known for his centrist lane, both raised significant cash. Still, Grijalva’s deep roots in Tucson carried her.
She ended up with 38,679 votes (61.5%).
Foxx took about 22.4%.
Hernández landed at 13.6%.
It was a clear signal that the "Grijalva machine"—or la máquina, as her supporters call it—was still the dominant force in Southern Arizona.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling in the Special General
The special general election on September 23, 2025, felt more like a victory lap, honestly. She faced Republican Daniel Butierez, the same man her father had defeated in the 2024 general election.
When the Adelita Grijalva election results for the special election were certified, the numbers were staggering. She won by a 2-to-1 margin.
- Adelita Grijalva (D): 70,148 votes (68.9%)
- Daniel Butierez (R): 29,944 votes (29.4%)
- Eduardo Quintana (Green): 1,118 votes (1.1%)
With this win, she became the first Latina from Arizona ever elected to Congress. Her daughter, Adelina, was actually the one who announced the victory to a crowd of cheering students holding "History Made" signs at the El Casino Ballroom.
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The Swearing-In Drama
You’d think winning by 40 points would mean an easy transition. Nope.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson initially refused to swear her in, citing the ongoing federal government shutdown that started right after her win. It turned into a record-breaking 50-day delay. She wasn't officially sworn in until November 12, 2025.
She didn't waste time once she got there, though. One of her first acts was signing a discharge petition to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. She also immediately co-sponsored the Block the Bombs Act, showing she’s sticking to the progressive roots her father established.
What This Means for You
If you live in Pima County or the 7th District, the landscape has shifted. Andrés Cano has since been appointed to take over her old seat on the Board of Supervisors.
For those following the national balance of power, Grijalva’s win was crucial for Democrats. It narrowed the Republican majority in the House and kept a safe blue seat firmly in the hands of a progressive who supports things like Medicare for All and increased rural funding.
What to do next:
- Check your registration: With special elections and appointments, it’s easy to lose track of who represents you. Head to ServiceArizona to make sure your info is current for the 2026 full-term cycle.
- Track the 2026 Primary: Grijalva has already announced she is running for a full term in 2026. The primary is set for August 4, 2026. Keep an eye on the Pima County Elections page for candidate filings.
- Engage with the Office: Since she’s now in D.C., you can reach out to her congressional office for help with federal agencies like Social Security or the VA. Her staff in the Tucson office is usually the best place to start for local casework.
The 2024 and 2025 results show a community that isn't ready to move on from the Grijalva legacy just yet. It’s a new era, but the names on the ballots feel very familiar.