PHOENIX, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs has announced the dates for the special election to select a replacement for the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva, who passed away on March 13, 2025, following a battle with cancer.
Election Timeline
Special Primary Election: July 15, 2025
Special General Election: September 23, 2025
Per Arizona state law, when a U.S. representative passes away and no general election is scheduled within the next six months, the governor must call for a special election within 72 hours.
Grijalva’s Legacy and Impact
Grijalva, 77, was a Democratic congressman representing Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, which spans southern Arizona, including Tucson and areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. He served in Congress for over two decades, championing environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and progressive policies.
Following his passing, Governor Hobbs expressed her condolences, saying:
“To his last day, he remained a servant leader who put everyday people first while in office. I join every Arizonan in mourning his passing.”
With the special election process now underway, candidates are expected to announce their campaigns in the coming weeks.