By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the death of Representative Raúl Grijalva, his daughter Adelita Grijalva won a special election in September to take his seat, but she has yet to be sworn in. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to swear her in until the government reopens, leaving Arizona’s 7th Congressional District without representation. This delay has resulted in a closed local congressional office and unanswered phone calls, hindering constituents from accessing crucial services. This situation has prompted a lawsuit and growing frustration among residents who are now without a voice in the halls of power, especially amidst key immigration issues.
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Frustrated Arizonans have waited more than a month for their new congresswoman to be seated, and it’s understandably causing a stir. The situation, described as a form of “taxation without representation,” echoes the grievances that fueled the American Revolution, making the delay particularly galling. It’s a fundamental issue: citizens are paying taxes, yet they’re being denied the representation their elected official should provide.
The delays seem to be rooted in procedural roadblocks. The new congresswoman is ready to work, but she can’t fully function. She can’t vote, access her office, hire staff, or even have a phone and email account. These are the tools she needs to serve her constituents, and they’re being withheld, essentially shutting her down. The core issue is the refusal to convene and swear her in.
It’s easy to see why frustration is boiling over. Some suggest ignoring the procedural hurdles and just doing the job, including taking an oath on the steps of the Capitol and making it public, since that’s what the Constitution requires. Others call for bolder action, like initiating legal challenges or staging protests to highlight the situation. There’s a strong sentiment that this situation has become a political game and a power play by the opposing party.
The accusations are harsh, ranging from claims that the Speaker of the House is protecting certain individuals from scrutiny to suggestions that he is more concerned with protecting his “dear leader” than ensuring Arizona has its voice in Congress. The specific allegations involve matters far removed from legislative processes, adding an emotional layer to the frustration.
The political climate in Arizona is also a factor. The state is no longer a simple red state, instead, it has evolved into a “purple” state. This transition has been underway for a while and shows the demographic shift that can change the tone of politics in an area. This is a common misconception, as the reality is more nuanced than a simple red or blue divide. Despite this, the state does have some loud voices, a vocal minority of Republicans, and some older voters that continue to vote red.
There’s a sense that the congresswoman is being intentionally blocked. Many feel that the House is essentially in recess, using this as a pretext to delay the inevitable. The argument is that if the new congresswoman was a man, this wouldn’t be happening. Others believe she should be relentless in her pursuit, following the Speaker with a Bible and demanding to be sworn in at every opportunity.
The delay also impacts the congresswoman’s ability to help her constituents. She cannot access funds, support staff, or resources which are crucial to her job. The House is seemingly not in session, preventing any action that would require her to be confirmed.
Amidst the frustration, there are calls for lawsuits and the idea of holding those responsible accountable for the lack of representation. The argument is that this denial of representation is unacceptable, especially when Arizonans continue to pay federal taxes.
There’s a significant divide on what should be done. Some argue that because a spending bill has not been agreed upon, the official business of the Congress cannot be conducted. Others feel the urgency is heightened given the time they have been deprived of representation.