On Tuesday, voters in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District will select their preferred candidate to succeed the late Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who passed away in March.
The Democratic primary has drawn five candidates vying for nomination in a district known for its strong Democratic leanings. This area includes much of Arizona’s southern border and parts of Tucson.
The race has largely boiled down to a three-way competition among former Pima County manager Adelita Grijalva, ex-state lawmaker Daniel Hernandez, and influencer Deja Foxx.
Here are five key points regarding the Democratic primary to replace Grijalva.
Adelita Grijalva seeks to follow in her father’s footsteps
Adelita Grijalva, the late congressman’s daughter, is aiming to take over his seat. Besides her past role as Pima County supervisor, she serves on the Tucson Unified School District Executive Committee and is regarded as a leading contender.
She has secured endorsements from prominent figures, including Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Organizations such as Emily’s List and the Congressional Progressive Caucus’s campaign arm have also backed her.
While detractors suggest her surname gives her an edge, she argues that her community ties and experience speak louder than just a name. In fact, she claims that 94% of her donors are new contributors, emphasizing her grassroots support.
“When I advocate for kindergarten, I’m not just making a statement. I’ve actually developed a system in Pima County that allocates $10 million annually for free kindergartens,” she explained.
Emergence of a three-way contest
Grijalva is set to encounter strong competition from Hernandez and Foxx, who have emerged as her most formidable challengers.
Hernandez is known for playing a crucial role during the 2011 Tucson shooting when he aided former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. However, Giffords is backing Grijalva in this primary. This isn’t Hernandez’s first bid for office; he previously lost in a Democratic primary for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District in 2022.
He highlights his experience working with Republicans to address important issues like school financing and housing, stating, “Running for this office requires someone ready to engage with the Republican leadership, and I’ve done that at the Arizona State Capitol.”
Foxx speaks to her upbringing as a single mother reliant on support programs, suggesting that her background gives her a unique perspective. “I might be 25, but I’ve been through a lot,” she commented.
Political newcomers Patrick Harris Sr. and Jose Malvid Jr. are also in the running, but they’re viewed as long shots.
In an interview, Harris expressed, “We really need a shift in America. Simply opposing Trump isn’t a viable strategy anymore.”
Deja Foxx gains traction
Foxx has picked up momentum, recently gaining support from activist David Hogg’s political organization.
“We’ve raised over $900,000 from 28,000 contributors in the last 90 days,” she noted. “The majority of our donations are from small donors. We’ve run this campaign in an unprecedented way.”
She aims to distinguish herself in the race, asserting that she’s a fresh alternative to traditional politicians. While acknowledging Grijalva’s leading status, she asserts, “I’m not someone who’s been groomed for Congress.”
Grijalva countered these claims, stating they seemed dismissive of community service’s value and stressed that experience must matter in this race. “While having a youthful perspective is valuable, candidates should have qualifications that extend beyond just ‘youth’,” she remarked.
Primary reflects Democratic enthusiasm
The primary elections are under scrutiny as indicators of Democratic enthusiasm. Some observers note a decline in early voter turnout.
“Turnout has been distinctly lower in Yuma County,” commented Xanthe Bullard, chairperson of the local Democrats. “There are several reasons, including seasonal migration of field workers and the unexpected nature of this special election.”
This primary and the GOP’s special primary are occurring earlier than usual, typically held in late July or early August.
Even though the district leans heavily Democratic, the outcomes may offer insights into overall enthusiasm for the upcoming off-year elections.
Victors are likely frontrunners in the general election
The 7th Congressional District is predicted to favor Democrats, as it leaned 22 points in favor of Biden in the last election.
The candidate who emerges victorious in this Democratic primary is likely to have a significant advantage heading into a special general election slated for September 23rd.
Pima County Democrats chair Eric Robbins mentioned that the district represents a diverse array of Arizona communities, emphasizing its rich mix of Latino, Indigenous, and working-class populations.
“This race illustrates the strength of grassroots movements,” he noted, adding that Grijalva served as a unifying figure across various communities in the area.
