Democrats Aim to Narrow GOP House Majority in Arizona Special Election
A special election in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District is expected to further reduce the GOP’s narrow House majority, as voters elect a replacement for the late Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva. The race features Democratic candidate Adelita Grijalva, the late congressman’s daughter, against Republican Daniel Butierez. With a strong Democratic voter base and national support from progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Grijalva is seen as a formidable contender in a district where Democrats have long held sway.
The election, scheduled for Tuesday, marks the culmination of a summer-long primary campaign where Grijalva emerged victorious with over 60% of the vote, signaling her strong position to win the general election. Her platform focuses on opposing Trump’s policies, including the “Big Ugly Bill” that affected healthcare coverage for many Arizona residents. Butierez, meanwhile, emphasizes his role as a change agent in a district dominated by Democrats, seeking to represent all constituents and challenge the status quo.
The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House, especially with Republicans currently holding a razor-thin 219-213 majority. Additionally, the race highlights the broader political landscape, with the 2025 elections approaching and Trump, though not on the ballot, remains a central figure in the political discourse. The winner of this race will serve out the remaining 15 months of Grijalva’s term, adding to the growing list of special elections that could shape the next congressional term.