Adelita Grijalva has won the special election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, succeeding her late father, Raúl Grijalva. The election results, announced late Tuesday, show Grijalva, a Democrat, defeating Republican Daniel Butierez with approximately 70.6% of the vote. This heavily Democratic district stretches from Yuma to Tucson and has a long history of Democratic representation.

The election is significant as it may provide the crucial vote needed to compel the Department of Justice to release records related to Jeffrey Epstein. A bipartisan discharge petition, initiated by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, requires 218 signatures to force a vote. With Grijalva's election, the petition now has the necessary support, as both candidates had previously indicated they would sign it if elected.

Grijalva's victory comes after the passing of her father, who served in Congress for 22 years before his death in March. She expressed gratitude to voters, stating, "The voters of Southern Arizona sent the country a loud message tonight: we reject the MAGA agenda and we demand a Congress that will hold this administration accountable."

In her campaign, Grijalva emphasized her commitment to environmental justice, public education, and protecting Medicaid. She also highlighted her intention to continue her father's legacy while asserting her own identity in public service. "I’m not running on my last name, it just is my last name," she said earlier this year. Grijalva will also make history as the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress.

Butierez, a business owner and first-time candidate, focused his campaign on border security and addressing homelessness. He previously ran for the same seat in 2024 but was unsuccessful. He won the Republican primary with nearly 61% of the vote.

The election results have broader implications for the House of Representatives. With Grijalva's win, House Republicans will hold 219 seats, while Democrats will have 214. This shift comes as some Republican-led states are redrawing congressional maps to create more favorable districts ahead of the midterm elections.

Grijalva will serve the remaining 15 months of her father's term. She expressed her commitment to her community, stating, "It is the privilege of my life to represent this beautiful community. Southern Arizona is sending a fighter to Washington, D.C. I will never forget who I’m fighting for."

The election results were celebrated by various organizations, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Democratic National Committee, which recognized Grijalva's commitment to progressive values.