Adelita Grijalva Set to Join Congress After Long Wait

Washington — Democrat Adelita Grijalva will be sworn in as a member of Congress on Wednesday, seven weeks after winning a special election in Arizona. House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to administer the oath of office at 4 p.m. Wednesday, just before the House votes on a funding bill aimed at reopening the government, according to the speaker’s office.

“After seven weeks of waiting, I almost can’t believe it’s true,” Grijalva said Monday. She expressed disappointment that one of her first votes will be on a bill that does not address affordable health care for Americans.

Grijalva was elected in a special election on September 23 to fill the seat of her late father, Raul Grijalva. However, the House has not been in session since September 19, when it passed a short-term funding measure to keep the government operating for seven weeks. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has extended this recess, disregarding calls from Democrats to seat Grijalva.

The delay in swearing Grijalva in has sparked criticism from the Democratic side. Johnson has provided various reasons for the postponement, including scheduling issues and adherence to precedent. He noted that it took former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 25 days to swear in a Republican representative during a pandemic-related special election in 2021.

In contrast, Democrats pointed out that two Florida Republicans were sworn in quickly this year during a pro forma session shortly after they won their elections.

Last month, Arizona’s attorney general sought to expedite Grijalva’s swearing-in, citing the need for representation. In an interview, Grijalva stated she was 90% confident she would finally be sworn in after weeks of uncertainty.

Grijalva has indicated she plans to support a bipartisan effort to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “There is absolutely a connection between my pledging to be the 218th signature on the discharge petition to release those files and the delay in my swearing-in,” she said.

Once sworn in, Grijalva plans to focus on issues such as democracy, immigration rights, environmental justice, and public education. She emphasized the diversity of Arizona’s 7th District and reiterated the need for comprehensive representation.

As she prepares to step into her role, Grijalva remains critical of the prolonged government shutdown, stating, “The reason why we’re closed has nothing to do with necessary negotiations.” She referenced a mother in her district whose health insurance costs dramatically increased, highlighting the urgency of addressing healthcare affordability.

Grijalva’s challenges in securing her swearing-in raise questions about representation and the authority of House leadership, marking a pivotal moment for her future in Congress.