Arizona Representative Adelita Grijalva took the oath of office this Wednesday, ending a 50-day period during which the newly elected Democrat could not hire staff, open constituent offices, or cast votes on behalf of her district.
The delay stemmed from the House remaining in recess since September 19, despite Grijalva’s victory in a special election held on September 23. House Speaker Mike Johnson maintained throughout this period that the congresswoman-elect could not be sworn in until the chamber reconvened.
“It has been 50 days of waiting,” Grijalva stated following her swearing-in. “The emotions run the gamut of frustration, anger, happiness, sadness. It is an injustice for 813,000 people in southern Arizona to have not had a voice in Congress.”
The House returned to session this week to address a Senate-passed bill aimed at ending a 43-day government shutdown. Grijalva’s swearing-in occurred immediately upon the chamber’s reconvening.
The extended delay drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and prompted legal action from Arizona’s attorney general, who filed suit challenging the postponement of Grijalva’s seating.
Grijalva suggested the delay was calculated, stating she believes Speaker Johnson sought to prevent action on pending legislation. “I think it was strategic,” she said. “I know that if I were a Republican, I would not have been waiting.”
Within minutes of taking her oath, Grijalva added her signature to a discharge petition seeking to compel the Department of Justice to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her signature provided the final endorsement needed to advance the petition.
“I committed to it, and I believe very strongly that it is about getting justice for the survivors,” Grijalva explained.
Speaker Johnson has indicated the House may vote on the matter as early as next week, though it remains uncertain whether the Senate would consider such legislation should it pass the lower chamber.
During a ceremonial swearing-in Wednesday, Johnson addressed the controversy surrounding the delay. “Look, I really like this lady,” the Louisiana Republican told reporters. “She may not agree with me, but we” appreciate her commitment to her constituents.
The situation raises questions about the procedures governing special elections and the seating of representatives when the House is not in session. Constitutional scholars note that while the House sets its own schedule, prolonged delays in seating elected representatives can effectively disenfranchise voters in affected districts.
For southern Arizona’s constituents, the 50-day gap meant no representation during crucial votes and no access to constituent services typically provided by congressional offices. The district remained without a voice as the House addressed significant legislative matters, including appropriations and government funding.
As Grijalva begins her tenure, she faces the immediate task of establishing her congressional office, hiring staff, and addressing the backlog of constituent concerns that accumulated during the seven-week delay. The congresswoman will serve the remainder of the term before facing voters again in the next regular election cycle.
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