Supporters of U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva cheered at El Casino Ballroom in South Tucson shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday as early results showed her winning Congressional District 7.

Grijalva had 71.5% of the vote to Republican Daniel Butierez Sr.’s 28.5%, or 44,298 votes, as of Wednesday morning.

In Congressional District 6, Democrat JoAnna Mendoza led Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani 52.9% to 44.9%, in a seat Republicans have held since 2023.

“We hear you loud and clear by your votes. The turnout was staggering for a midterm,” Grijalva told attendees. “Tomorrow is the start of . . . getting ready for the presidential election. We have to register people to vote, we have to continue to have these conversations.”

Grijalva, whose district includes the Tohono O’odham Nation, said she plans to bring more members of Congress there so they can see the situation at the border firsthand.

“Don’t believe what is being spoon-fed to you. Come and see it yourself,” she said. “Talk to the Nation, understand that there are members on both sides and that the border crosses them. They didn’t cross the border.”

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero praised local residents for their work supporting Democratic candidates, especially in Congressional District 6.

“I can’t wait to see Trump’s head explode when he finds out that southern Arizona is run by Latinas,” Romero said, referring to Grijalva, Mendoza and herself.

Many supporters at the watch party said they were hopeful about what comes next.

“I’m feeling very excited and thankful that I’m able to vote for my side of the family, since they aren’t able to vote,” said attendee Stephanie Mercado. “I feel very happy and excited and I can’t wait . . . to see how this turns out.”

Others were less hopeful. Hubert Martin, an attendee, said he wasn’t sure the win would change much in Washington, given President Donald Trump’s veto power.

“I think Democrats ought to be able to cut back on the horrible things that the Trump administration is doing to immigrants by just not providing money to ICE, or to new prisons, or to the border wall,” Martin said. “They need to keep the pressure up to put more of our resources into taking care of people who need help and less resources into building up the war machine.”

These are early results. Results are unofficial until counties canvass, which must happen by Nov. 19.

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