Politics in Southern Arizona just isn't the same. Honestly, the Arizona District 7 primary election results from this past cycle told a story that was part dynasty, part progressive surge, and part total reshuffling of the deck. When Raúl Grijalva, the long-standing progressive titan of the Southwest, passed away in early 2025, it didn't just leave a seat vacant. It left a massive power vacuum in a district that stretches from the heart of Tucson all the way to the California border, hugging the jagged line of the Mexican frontier.
The primary held on July 15, 2025, wasn't just another Tuesday at the polls. It was the moment the "Grijalva era" transitioned into its next phase. Adelita Grijalva, Raúl’s daughter and a seasoned Pima County Supervisor, didn't just win; she kind of dominated. But the path there was way more crowded and contentious than the final numbers might suggest.
The Democratic Slugfest: More Than Just a Name
Most people thought Adelita would walk away with it because of her last name. While that name recognition is basically gold in Tucson, she had to fight off some serious contenders who weren't just there to fill space.
The field was packed. You had Daniel Hernandez, a former state lawmaker who many remember as the intern who helped save Gabby Giffords' life. He took a more centrist, "get things done" lane. Then there was Deja Foxx, a Gen Z powerhouse and digital strategist who brought a massive social media following and a laser focus on reproductive rights.
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When the dust settled at El Casino Ballroom in Tucson, the numbers were clear. Adelita Grijalva pulled in roughly 62% of the vote. Hernandez followed at a distant 14%. It turns out that while Foxx and others had the national buzz, Adelita’s "movimiento"—which she said knocked on 39,000 doors—was too deep-rooted to beat.
She stood on that stage and told the crowd, "I stand on the shoulders of giants." It was a heavy moment. Everyone knew who she meant.
The Republican Side: A Quiet Consolidation
On the GOP side, things were a bit more straightforward, though not without their own flavor of Arizona politics. Daniel Butierez, a local painting company owner, grabbed the nomination with about 58% of the Republican vote.
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Butierez is an interesting guy. He’s not your typical polished politician. He’s been open about his past struggles with homelessness and his faith. He actually invited candidates from other parties to his watch party, which is... well, it’s rare. Sorta weird for today's climate, right? He beat out Jorge Rivas, a restaurant owner, and Jimmy Rodriguez, a contractor, to secure his spot for the special general election.
The reality, though, is that District 7 is a deep blue stronghold. Democrats have nearly a 2-1 voter registration advantage. In the 2024 primary (before the special election was triggered by Raúl's passing), Raúl Grijalva had run unopposed on the Democratic side, while Butierez had sailed through the Republican primary then too.
Why These Results Actually Matter
You might think a "Safe Democratic" seat doesn't move the needle much in D.C., but that’s not quite right. These Arizona District 7 primary election results were a bellwether for a few reasons:
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- Latina Representation: Adelita’s eventual win in the special general (which followed this primary) made her the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress. That’s a huge milestone for a state that is roughly one-third Hispanic.
- The Border Narrative: This district covers almost the entire Arizona-Mexico border. The primary winner's stance on immigration dictates the local conversation. Adelita has been vocal about reversing emergency declarations at the border and shifting away from "walls only" policies.
- Progressive Continuity: By choosing the most progressive-leaning candidate in the field, District 7 voters signaled they weren't interested in a moderate "shift to the center," despite the national trends.
A Breakdown of the Primary Contenders
| Candidate | Party | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Adelita Grijalva | Democratic | Healthcare access, environmental justice, immigration reform. |
| Daniel Hernandez | Democratic | Bipartisan cooperation, school safety, moderate economic policy. |
| Deja Foxx | Democratic | Reproductive freedom, Gen Z engagement, housing affordability. |
| Daniel Butierez | Republican | Border security, addressing homelessness, small business support. |
The "Special" Nature of the 2025 Vote
It’s important to remember we’re talking about a special primary here. Because Raúl Grijalva passed away in March 2025, the state had to scramble to fill the seat. This wasn't the standard November cycle.
Turnout in special elections is notoriously wonky. Usually, it's lower, which means the "die-hard" voters—the ones who really care about specific local issues—carry more weight. In this case, the Grijalva ground game, built over twenty years, proved it could still turn people out even in the heat of a Tucson July.
What to Watch Moving Forward
If you're following Arizona politics, the primary results were just the opening act. The transition from Raúl to Adelita represents a shift in style, if not in substance. While Raúl was a "street fighter" for environmental causes, Adelita brings a background in school boards and county government. She’s used to the nitty-gritty of budgets and local administration.
Next Steps for Voters and Observers:
- Check Your Registration: Since special elections happen on odd dates, always verify your status via the Arizona Secretary of State website.
- Follow the Progressive Caucus: Adelita pledged to join the Congressional Progressive Caucus immediately. Watching her votes there will show if she’s following her father’s exact footsteps or carving a new path.
- Monitor Border Policy Shifts: With a new representative in a border-heavy district, expect new legislative pushes regarding the Tucson Sector of the Border Patrol.
The 2025 primary wasn't just about picking a name. It was about confirming that for Southern Arizona, the progressive "movimiento" isn't going anywhere. It’s just getting a new voice.