When U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) died on March 13, 2025, Indian Country lost a powerful ally. For over 20 years, he championed tribal sovereignty, education, and environmental justice. His daughter, Adelita Grijalva, won his seat on Sept. 23, 2025, with 69% of the vote, but has yet to be sworn in.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has refused to administer her oath, citing “procedural concerns” tied to the government shutdown. Critics call that an excuse, suggesting Johnson wants to block her vote — which would provide the 218th signature needed to force a bipartisan vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein’s Justice Department files.

Johnson insists the delay is “standard practice,” but history says otherwise. Lawmakers have been sworn in during recesses or pro-forma sessions before. “The people of Southern Arizona have voted clearly, yet more than 812,000 people are still denied their voice in Congress,” Adelita Grijalva said.

Meanwhile, her district office lacks computers, staff, and access to congressional systems — leaving the Tohono O’odham, Pascua Yaqui, and Cocopah tribes without representation.

This isn’t about procedure — it’s about control. Johnson’s inaction silences voters and undermines democracy. It’s time to swear in Adelita Grijalva and restore Arizona’s 7th District’s voice in Congress.