Adelita Grijalva is a prominent political figure from Southern Arizona, with deep roots in public service. She was born on October 30, 1970, in Tucson, Arizona, and is the daughter of the late U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva. Adelita has built a reputation as a dedicated advocate for various issues, particularly in education and local governance.
Grijalva’s political career began with her election to the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board in 2002, where she became the youngest woman ever elected to the board. Over her two-decade tenure, she was a strong proponent of bilingual education and ethnic studies, notably challenging the closure of the district’s Mexican American Studies program in 2012.
In 2021, Adelita was elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors, where she represented District 5. During her time on the board, she concentrated on key issues such as affordable housing, climate resiliency, and early childhood education. In 2023, she made history by becoming the first Latina to serve as the board’s chair.
In 2025, following the passing of her father, Adelita announced her candidacy for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. She ran in the Democratic primary, where she secured a resounding victory with approximately 62% of the vote, defeating several challengers, including activist Deja Foxx. She is now set to face Republican Daniel Butierez in the special general election on September 23, 2025.
Early Life and Education
Adelita Grijalva was born on October 30, 1970, in Tucson, Arizona. Raised in a family deeply rooted in public service, she is the eldest of three daughters. Her father, Raúl Grijalva, was a longtime U.S. Representative known for his progressive stances on environmental justice and immigrant rights.
Adelita graduated from Pueblo High School in 1989 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arizona in 1995 . Her academic background laid the foundation for her future endeavors in public service and policy advocacy.
Career in Public Service
Tucson Unified School District Governing Board (2002–2022)
In 2002, Adelita made history as the youngest woman ever elected to the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) Governing Board. Over her 20-year tenure, she became a staunch advocate for bilingual education and ethnic studies. Notably, she was the sole board member to vote against the termination of the director of TUSD’s Mexican American Studies program in 2012, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive education .
Pima County Board of Supervisors (2021–2025)
Adelita was elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors in 2020, representing District 5. During her time in office, she focused on issues such as affordable housing, climate resiliency, and early childhood education. In 2023, she made history again by becoming the first Latina to serve as the board’s chair. She resigned from this position in April 2025 to comply with Arizona’s resign-to-run law as she launched her congressional campaign .
2025 Congressional Campaign
Following the death of her father in March 2025, Adelita announced her candidacy for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. She emphasized the need to uphold democracy, protect immigrant rights, and ensure access to healthcare as central tenets of her campaign. Her platform resonated with voters, leading to a significant victory in the Democratic primary on July 15, 2025, where she secured approximately 62% of the vote .
Adelita’s campaign was marked by grassroots engagement, with over 1,400 volunteers and 39,000 doors knocked during the primary election cycle. She emphasized the importance of community involvement and direct voter contact over social media-driven campaigns.
2025 Special Election and Polls
The special general election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District is scheduled for September 23, 2025. Adelita will face Republican candidate Daniel Butierez, a painting company owner who secured his party’s nomination in the July 15 primary. The district is considered a stronghold for Democrats, with a nearly 2-to-1 registration advantage over Republicans, positioning Adelita favorably in the upcoming election .
Personal Life and Family
Adelita resides in Tucson with her husband, Sol Antonio Gómez, a librarian, and their three children. She has been an active member of her community, serving on various boards and committees, including Las Adelitas and as a community advisor for the University of Arizona’s Kappa Delta Chi sorority .
Net Worth
As of the latest available data, Adelita Grijalva’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, her financial disclosures during her tenure on the Pima County Board of Supervisors indicate a modest income consistent with public service salaries.
FAQs
Who is Adelita Grijalva?
Adelita Grijalva is a Democratic politician from Tucson, Arizona, serving on the Pima County Board of Supervisors and a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.
What is Adelita Grijalva’s educational background?
She graduated from Pueblo High School in 1989 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arizona in 1995.
How long did Adelita serve on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board?
She served for 20 years, from 2002 to 2022.
What was Adelita’s role on the Pima County Board of Supervisors?
She represented District 5 from 2021 to 2025 and became the first Latina to serve as the board’s chair in 2023.
When did Adelita announce her candidacy for Congress?
She announced her candidacy in March 2025, following the death of her father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva.
What are Adelita’s main campaign priorities?
Her priorities include upholding democracy, protecting immigrant rights, and ensuring access to healthcare.
Who is Adelita running against in the 2025 special election?
She is running against Republican candidate Daniel Butierez.
When is the special general election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District?
The election is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
What is the political leaning of Arizona’s 7th Congressional District?
The district has a nearly 2-to-1 Democratic registration advantage, making it a stronghold for the party.
