Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is considering a run for the congressional seat previously held by late Rep. Raúl Grijalva. Grijalva passed away last week at the age of 77 due to lung cancer, leaving a significant vacancy in Arizona’s political landscape.
Fontes, a Democrat, expressed his admiration for Grijalva, stating, "We should all be grateful for his years of service." He announced his interest in representing Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, a place he knows well as it is where he was born and raised. Fontes, a Marine Corps veteran, emphasized his commitment to serving the community and protecting democracy.
If Fontes decides to run, he would need to resign from his current position as Secretary of State. Arizona’s "resign to run" law requires him to step down, and Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs would then appoint a replacement. The next scheduled election for the Secretary of State’s office is in 2026, and the current situation has led to discussions about the future of leadership in Arizona.
The special primary election to fill Grijalva’s seat is set for July 15, with the general election following on September 23. Grijalva had been a prominent figure in Arizona politics, having served since 2003, and his death has prompted a shake-up in the state’s Democratic landscape.
Adelita Grijalva, the late Congressman’s daughter and a Pima County Supervisor, is also considering entering the race but plans to wait until after her father’s funeral to make any announcements. Meanwhile, other potential candidates like Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and state Rep. Alma Hernandez have opted not to run in the special election.
The district itself is significant, covering much of Arizona’s southern border, an area that has seen increasing attention due to the ongoing migrant and drug crisis. As the political scene heats up, the upcoming elections will be closely watched, with the potential for major shifts in representation.