Race Heats Up for Arizona's 7th Congressional District
The sudden passing of longtime Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva on March 13, 2025, due to complications from cancer treatment, has left a significant void in Arizona's 7th Congressional District. A special election scheduled for September 23, with primary elections on July 15, has drawn a crowded field of candidates eager to fill the seat in this reliably Democratic stronghold. Among the frontrunners are three progressive candidates who have captured significant attention in the race.
Adelita Grijalva, the late congressman's daughter, initially emerged as a leading candidate, benefiting from her father's established campaign infrastructure and name recognition. However, recent developments indicate she is losing ground to Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old abortion activist who has gained traction with her bold platform. Daniel Hernández Jr., another prominent contender, has also made waves with strong fundraising efforts, partly fueled by support from pro-Israel groups.
Key Candidates and Their Platforms
Adelita Grijalva has positioned herself as a progressive in the mold of her father, emphasizing issues like working families' rights and social justice. She has secured high-profile endorsements, which have bolstered her campaign. As noted by Laura Gersony of The Arizona Republic, Adelita 'will likely benefit from some of the campaign infrastructure built by her father,' giving her a structural advantage in the race.
Deja Foxx, on the other hand, represents a new generation of activism, focusing heavily on reproductive rights. Her rise in prominence has shifted the dynamics of the race, challenging Adelita's early lead. Meanwhile, Daniel Hernández Jr. has leveraged his fundraising prowess to build a competitive campaign, appealing to a broad base of Democratic voters with his focus on key district issues.
The stakes are high in this primary, as the outcome is expected to signal the direction Democratic voters want for their party. Reagan Priest of the Arizona Capitol Times observed, 'The outcome of the primary in the deep blue district will demonstrate to the party's top brass what kind of candidate Democratic voters are looking for and the issues they want that candidate to focus on.'
Implications for the Democratic Party
As the July 15 primary approaches, the race for Arizona's 7th Congressional District is shaping up to be a critical test for the Democratic Party's future in the region. With five Democrats and three Republicans vying for the seat, the primary will likely determine the ultimate winner given the district's strong Democratic lean. Jeremy Duda of Axios Phoenix noted, 'The race initially appeared like a two-way contest between Grijalva and Hernandez, but Foxx has gained traction,' highlighting the unexpected competitiveness of the field.
The results of this special election will not only fill the vacancy left by Rep. Grijalva but also provide insight into the evolving priorities of Democratic voters in southern Arizona. Whether the district continues its progressive legacy or shifts toward a new vision will depend on which candidate can mobilize support around the issues that matter most to constituents.