Democratic Candidates Vie to Fill Seat in Deep-Blue Arizona District—What to Know

Three progressives lead the race to fill late Rep. Raúl Grijalva’s seat. His daughter, the front runner, is losing ground to a 25-year-old abortion activist.

From left to right, Deja Foxx, Adelita Grijalva, Patrick Harris Sr., Daniel Hernandez Jr. and Jose Malvido Jr. during the Democratic primary debate inside the Arizona Public Media studio in Tucson, Ariz., on June 10, 2025. Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star via AP

A handful of Democratic candidates are looking to win a special election in a congressional district along the U.S. border with Mexico to succeed the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.).

The 7th Congressional District will hold special primary elections on July 15, with winners facing off in the general election on Sept. 23. Given that the district is heavily Democratic, the winner of the primary contest will be favored to win the general election on Sept. 23.