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Adelita Grijalva has won the special election to represent Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, succeeding her late father, Raúl Grijalva, who died in March.

A Democrat and former Pima County supervisor, Adelita Grijalva secured the seat in the heavily Democratic district, defeating Republican Daniel Butierez. Her victory makes her the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress.

Grijalva secured 68.6% of the vote to Butierez’s 29.8% as of Tuesday night.

About 200 people turned out for Grijalva’s watch party at El Casino Ballroom in South Tucson, with energy high as guests chatted and waited for the first round of results to drop.

Shortly after 8 p.m., following an announcement that Grijalva had won, she made her way to the stage and greeted the crowd chanting, “Si se Puede.”

She thanked representatives in Arizona and beyond who had supported her and helped her reach this point. She also highlighted the unions that stood with her, representing environmental, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, transgender rights and more.

Grijalva reflected on her father’s legacy and his fight for environmental rights, reproductive rights and other core values that were defended and advanced in Arizona. She said that, 50 years later, that movement remains alive in everyone present.

“Some call it a machine, we call it ‘la maquina,’” Grijalva said. “But really it’s just us, the people, el pueblo.”

She added that the movement was never about just her, but about earning trust through service and carrying forward the legacy of fighting for those you care about.

“This campaign was never about me or any one person it was about. It wasn't about my last name either,” Grijalva said. “A last name alone doesn't earn you the trust from the community service does, and my dad's legacy is one of service to southern Arizona. He literally fought until his last breath for this community.”

She continued, reflecting on the conversations she had with voters.

“I've heard your stories, your struggles, and, most importantly, your hopes," Grijalva said. "Because at the end of the day, no matter where we are from, what language we speak, who we pray to, or who we love, each and every one of us simply wants to create a better life for our children and future generations. That is the common thread that unites us all."

She then criticized the current administration — particularly Congress — which she said has “rubber-stamped” all of the Trump administration’s policies to date.

“Trump is going after the values we hold dearly as Americans, equality under the law, due process and freedom of speech,” Grijalva said. “But, the voters of southern Arizona just sent the rest of the country a loud message. We reject the MAGA agenda, and we will hold this administration accountable.”

Grijalva said she could have never imagined being the first Chicana elected to Congress to represent Arizona but promised to be a fighter once she gets to Washington, D.C.

She said her first goal will be to be the 188th vote on the discharge petition for the Epstein files.

“I have the hope, the faith, the strength, the heart and the ganas to stand up to anyone,” Grijalva said. “It's a humbling privilege to represent this beautiful community in Congress, and I promise to never forget who I'm fighting for, a lesson my dad taught me very well.”

Before Grijalva spoke, youth advocates for her campaign took the stage following the announcement. She was then introduced by her three children — Adelina, Joaquin and Raúl Grijalva-Gomez.

The co-founder of Youth for Adelita, Adelina Grijalva-Gomez, spoke about her mother’s character.

“She is at every event, every performance, every PTA meeting, you name it. And she's there because she's always here for us, like she will always be here for southern Arizona,” Grijalva-Gomez said. “She's a true fighter.”

Joaquin Grijalva-Gomez said the win was not just for his family but for everyone in southern Arizona and for youth across the county. Raúl Grijalva-Gomez shared similar thoughts, saying that his mother has always shown up and will continue to show up for all of her constituents.

“My mom carries forward a legacy. Our Tata, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, he set a standard of service and courage,” Raúl Grijalva-Gomez said. “He taught us all how to fight and win, and we are all a part of the movement that he started. We are Grijalvistas for life.”

Mayor Regina Romero spoke about the power of today’s youth, emphasizing that they are not only our future but also our present. As Tucson’s first female and first Latina mayor, she underscored the importance of this election and expressed pride in Grijalva and her family for running a strong, values-driven campaign.

“We elect ‘chingona mujeres,’ and that's what we're going to do with southern Arizona and Congressional District 7,” Romero said.

Naomi de la Rosa, field director for Youth for Adelita, spoke about the hard work that went into the campaign. She also highlighted the importance of electing Grijalva at this moment in time, saying she is the candidate Tucson and the country need.

“She's the progressive and the fighter that we need right now, especially with everything going on," de la Rosa said. "She won't forget where she's from, and I think she takes that with her everywhere she goes."

As the lights dimmed, the room erupted onto the dance floor, feet moving to the Cha Cha Slide, hips swaying to the Wobble, with many saying the victory felt not just like a win for the Grijalva family but for the entire community.

The mood was more subdued at Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon and BBQ, where Butierez and his team gathered to wait for ballots to be counted.

“I was going to be fine no matter which way it went,” Butierez said after seeing the results. “I got into this because I care about my community, and if my community wants to continue on the path they’re going, who am I to tell them?”

Spirits were high at the start of the night, with people laughing and talking as they enjoyed their food. The space was tight, with voters and candidates coming out to support their party mate.

“No matter what the outcome, he’s laid the groundwork for someone else to follow in his footsteps,” said Tucson City Council Ward 3 candidate Janet Wittenbraker.

Wittenbraker is facing Democrat Kevin Dahl in the Nov. 4 election.

“I think Butierez works very hard,” said Pima County GOP Chair Kathleen Winn. “In light of what happened with Charlie Kirk ... I think there’s a shift going on. People don’t want to do what they have always done.”

Grijalva’s official swearing-in date has not been publicly announced, but it typically occurs shortly after election results are certified, which can take several days to a few weeks. The exact timing depends on the certification process and congressional scheduling.

Grijalva will serve the remainder of her father’s term, which concludes in January 2027.

Tucson Spotlight team members Emma LaPointe and Quentin Agnello contributed to this story.

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