Butierez, Rivas battle for GOP CD7 Seat; Rodriguez Sends ‘Statement’

On May 29, 2025, Republican candidates Daniel Butierez and Jorge Rivas participated in a debate hosted by Arizona PBS ahead of the special election for the 7th Congressional District. The seat became vacant following the death of longtime Democratic Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Butierez, a small business owner who previously challenged Grijalva in 2024, and Rivas, a restaurant owner and political newcomer, were the only candidates in attendance. Fellow Republican Jimmy Rodriguez, a general contractor, was invited but did not participate.

During the debate, moderator Ted Simmons pressed Rivas after he stated that Grijalva “didn’t care or wasn’t up to the task” of serving the district. Rivas pointed to the district’s escalating homelessness crisis and the fentanyl epidemic as signs of failed leadership under the late congressman.

Butierez offered a broader critique, emphasizing that the issues stem from failures at every level of government. “This is a failure of leadership across the board — the mayor’s office, the county board of supervisors,” he said. “These problems have been building for years.”

While Butierez acknowledged that he believes that Grijalva deserves some grace due to his cancer battle during his final year in Congress, he noted that homelessness and other challenges in the district have only worsened, highlighting the urgent need for new leadership.

Both candidates voiced support for stricter immigration enforcement. Butierez, while advocating for the removal of individuals who entered the country illegally, drew a line at arresting people in sensitive locations. “The law must be enforced,” he said, “but schools and churches should be sanctuary locations.”

Rivas, who was granted political asylum after fleeing El Salvador in the 1980s, took a firmer stance. He supported Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in all locations, including churches and schools. “We cannot pick and choose where we enforce the law,” he said.

Both candidates endorsed the deportation of undocumented immigrants, even if they face danger upon return to their home countries. “They’re criminals who never should have come here in the first place,” said Butierez, blaming the issue on past administrations. Rivas added, “It’s not the responsibility of the United States to ensure that every country treats its citizens well. Our government must prioritize our own.”

On economic policy, both candidates stated their support for the president’s recent efforts to raise tariffs, aligning themselves with the administration’s broader trade strategy.

Republican candidate Jimmy Rodriguez, who did not attend the May 29th Arizona PBS debate, sent an exclusive statement to the Arizona Globe explaining his absence and outlining his campaign priorities.

“I was unable to attend the May 29th debate due to a prior commitment with an electric vehicle manufacturer out of Northern California that ran way over schedule,” Rodriguez stated. “But I watched the event closely. I wasn’t impressed.”

He criticized his opponents’ performances, stating that the “lack of clear, actionable policy solutions was disappointing for the people of Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, who deserve leadership that can deliver real results.”

Rodriguez emphasized that his campaign focuses on priorities that matter to Arizonans. “Securing our borders with 500 more Border Patrol agents and additional immigration judges, supporting legal immigration for economic growth, streamlining business permits, securing water grants for farmers—these are real solutions,” he added.

He also highlighted a legislative proposal he plans to introduce if elected. “I’m working on a drafted bill called the Efficient Spending Control Act of 2026, which aims to tackle federal spending with accountability and precision.”

Rodriguez shared some of the personal context behind his motivation to run. He told the Globe, “I’ve raised my family here. I lost a son in 2022 at the age of 19 due to systemic government failures. I’ve built a career solving problems—in construction and in race vehicle electrical systems—and I’m committed to uniting this district with grit and clarity.”

Addressing what he sees as excess in public office, Rodriguez also made a bold pledge regarding his potential salary. “The median household income in AZ-07 is around $58,000. The congressional salary is $174,000 a year,” he said. “I’ll only keep $20,000 for personal use and donate the remaining $154,000 each year of my salary back to the 7th Congressional District.” He included a signed declaration of understanding with that statement.

“This district needs a leader who listens and acts,” Rodriguez concluded. “I’m ready to be that voice in Washington.”

Upcoming Events:

• A second Republican primary debate is scheduled for June 9, 2025, at 6 p.m., hosted by Arizona Public Media.
• The Republican primary election will take place on July 15, 2025.
• The general election is set for September 23, 2025.