Mayes Threatens U.S. Speaker Johnson Unless Grijalva Sworn In

Attorney General Kris Mayes is threatening legal action against House Speaker Mike Johnson if newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva isn’t sworn in immediately. In a sharply worded letter sent this week, Mayes warned that “failing to seat Ms. Grijalva immediately or to otherwise provide a reasonable explanation as to when she will be seated will prompt legal action.” She accused House leadership of playing politics after Arizona certified its statewide results on Tuesday.

Adelita Grijalva, the daughter of longtime Congressman Raúl Grijalva, won her special election last month to fill the seat her father vacated after he lost his fight against cancer. She received nearly 70 percent of the vote in a district where only about 16 percent of all registered voters participated—largely through mail-in ballots.

On behalf of Arizona, I am demanding Speaker Johnson seat Congresswoman Grijlva without delay. We are keeping every option open to us, including litigation, to make sure that Adelita is able to begin her work as Arizona's newest member of Congress. pic.twitter.com/UredD2db9C

— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) October 14, 2025

Mayes and the entire Democrat delegation have made the case that “every voter deserves representation,” pressing Johnson to swear Grijalva in immediately. But critics claim the outrage rings hollow for many in Arizona.

Grijalva’s father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, missed more than 500 roll call votes over two congressional sessions while remaining in office. During that time, his constituents went nearly two years without real representation in Washington. No Democrat, including Governor Hobbs, AG Mayes, or Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, called for him to resign. There were no protests or letters demanding accountability.

On behalf of Arizona, I am demanding Speaker Johnson seat Congresswoman Grijlva without delay. We are keeping every option open to us, including litigation, to make sure that Adelita is able to begin her work as Arizona's newest member of Congress. pic.twitter.com/UredD2db9C

— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) October 14, 2025

Republicans say Mayes’ sudden interest in voter representation is pure politics. They point out that Congress is technically out of session and that similar delays have occurred before. Others note the irony of a party that tolerated absentee representation for years now threatening lawsuits over a few weeks’ delay.

Adelita Grijalva’s team insists this is about fairness and democracy. But critics see it differently. They say this is a family dynasty protecting its seat—one that stayed quiet while Raúl Grijalva’s absence left his district voiceless, and now demands urgency when the family’s power is at stake.

Mayes told reporters her office is “keeping every option open” and could sue within days if the Speaker doesn’t act. Whether the courts get involved or the House simply waits to reconvene, one fact remains: the Grijalva legacy in Arizona’s 7th District is about politics first, and accountability second, say critics.