Raúl Grijalva passing prompts Arizona’s special election for the 7th Congressional District seat. Despite the state’s grief at his death, attention is already turning to the next president.
Arizona’s Special Election Timeline
Under Arizona law, Gov. Katie Hobbs must set the special election date within 72 hours after the seat is officially declared vacant. The primary election will take place about four months later, with the general election happening two to three months after that.
Given that Grijalva’s district is a Democratic stronghold, the winner of the Democratic primary is likely to win the general election.
Who Might Run for Grijalva’s Seat?
Several names have emerged as possible candidates:
- State Rep. Alma Hernandez – A Tucson politician who previously criticized Raúl Grijalva for staying in office during his cancer treatment.
- Tucson Mayor Regina Romero – Married to Grijalva’s longtime aide, Ruben Reyes, she has been a key figure in local politics.
- Adelita Grijalva – The congressman’s daughter, who currently serves on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, a seat her father once held.
Other Candidates in the Race
Before Grijalva’s passing, several Democratic candidates had already filed paperwork for the 2026 race, including:
- Andrew Becerra
- David Bies
- Abdul Hadi Ghulam Habib
On the Republican side, candidates include:
- Daniel Francis Butierez Sr. (who ran against Grijalva in 2024)
- Jorge Rivas
- Raul Verdugo
- Jimmy Rodriguez
What Happens Next?
Candidates must file paperwork within 30 days of the election being called, leaving little time for undecided contenders. As the special election approaches, Arizona voters will soon learn who will carry on Raúl Grijalva’s legacy in Congress.
Source: azcentral
