Democrat Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes may run for Rep. Raúl Grijalva Seats in Congress After Grijalva died last week.
The decision could lead to a major restructuring of the state’s politics. It was the Democrats’ seat since 2003, until the deaths associated with lung cancer were 77 years old.
“I have long admired Congressman Grijalva. We should all thank him for his years of service.” In a statement said Tuesday.
Democracy represents. Raul Grijalva dies in 77
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes at an event held on April 12, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Reuters/Rebecca Noble)
“I strongly consider running on behalf of the AZ-07, where I was born and raised, serving my country in the Marines and protecting democracy.
“Now we must remember and appreciate the life and legacy of the late MP Grijalva.”
As part of the state’s “resignation” law, Fontes needs to leave his role, and Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs His replacement needs to be appointed.
The next regular election for the Secretary of State’s office is in 2026. When the governor left the state, the secretary of state became acting governor. If the governor resigns, the secretary of state will be promoted to governor.
This is most notable when current Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano resigned as Obama administration’s Secretary of Homeland Security, which led to Republican Jan Brewer taking over. The Lieutenant Governor’s Office will be established in 2027, which will allow the Lieutenant Governor to serve as governor next.
House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz. The closing ceremony was delivered at the 2020 House hearing. (Bonnie Cash-Pool/Getty Images)
The move is an open hub away from previous reports that Fondez made a major bid for Hobbes in the 2026 election, which is expected to be one of the country’s most competitive gubernatorial contests.
Grijalva’s daughter Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva said she might also sneak into the game, but waited until after her father’s funeral to announce the decision.
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Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs posted her state address on January 9, 2023 at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
“Many people asked me if I would consider running to continue my father’s legacy. Between tears and hugs, my family and I are dealing with our far-reaching losses and the losses of our communities, states and nations,” she said in a statement.
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The special main election for the seat will be held on July 15 and the general election will be held on September 23.
As for other Democratic candidates in the field, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and state Rep. Alma Hernandez chose not to participate in the special election. Geographically speaking, the vast majority of the region belongs to the southern border of Arizona, which has become a national highlight in recent years due to the immigration and drug crisis.
