Who's Looking to Fill Grijalva's Seat?

UNITED STATES - JULY 10: Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., speaks at a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on immigration reform and border security principles. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

The passing of Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) leaves his 7th Congressional District seat open. Who is looking to fill it?

So far, 13 statements of interest have been filed, eight of which were filed by Republicans, including Daniel Butierez, whom Rep. Grijalva defeated for reelection in 2024.

Three Democrats, David Bies, Patrick Harris Sr., and Stefawna Welch, have also filed. At the same time, a Libertarian, Alan Aversa, and Richard Grayson of the Green Party also appeared on the list.

However, KJZZ and KGUN9 agree that a major name to watch is Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who has "strongly considered" running for Rep. Grijalva's seat.

As KJZZ noted, Sec. Fontes would need to resign from his current position to run for office, which does not end until the 2026 midterm.

"I have long admired Congressman Grijalva. We should all be grateful for his years of service," Fontes' statement on X (formerly Twitter) began, adding, "I am strongly considering a run to represent AZ-07, a place where I was born and raised, served my country in the Marine Corps, and protected democracy. I will have more to say in the days ahead. Right now, we must remember and appreciate the life and legacy of the late Congressman Grijalva."

Grijalva's daughter and Pima County Supervisor Adelita is also considered a contender, but she said she would hold off on a decision until after her father's funeral.

A special primary will be held on July 15th, and the special general election is on September 23rd.

Arizona's governor's seat will also be up for grabs again in 2026. On the Republican side, Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) has already become a significant contender against Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ), even as Karrin Taylor Robson (R) may currently hold President Donald Trump's endorsement.

A mid-February KStrat poll has already suggested Rep. Biggs holds the polling advantage, with many Republicans viewing him favorably and Gov. Hobbs' favorability starkly divided along party lines.

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.