Adelita Grijalva (AZ-0007)

Biography

Adelita S. Grijalva is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for Arizona's 7th congressional district, serving since November 12, 2025. She is the daughter of former U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva, whom she succeeded after winning a 2025 special election in a landslide against Republican Daniel Butierez, becoming the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress. A lifelong resident of Tucson, Arizona, she focuses on environmental justice, health care, affordable housing, and community equity.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in political science in 1995.
• Early Career: Worked for over 25 years at Pima County Teen Court, supporting court-involved youth through a restorative juvenile diversion program.
• *Tucson Unified School District Governing Board *: Elected in 2002; expanded preschool availability, defended Mexican-American Studies and bilingual curriculum, and advocated for investments in underserved communities.
• *Pima County Board of Supervisors, District 5 *: First Latina and second woman to serve as Chair; launched the county’s first free preschool program for low- and middle-income families, secured historic investments in affordable housing, and protected open spaces in the Sonoran Desert.
• *U.S. House of Representatives *: Won Democratic primary in July 2025 and special election in September 2025; serves on boards of community organizations advocating for equity and public-private partnerships.