- Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva remains unseated for weeks after winning a special election, leaving 800,000 constituents without full representation.
- Critics accuse Speaker Mike Johnson of politically blocking her oath to prevent a key signature on a petition to release Jeffrey Epstein documents.
In a heated Capitol Hill dispute that’s drawing national attention, newly elected Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva is publicly blasting House Speaker Mike Johnson for what she calls a “patronizing” and “misleading” delay in swearing her into Congress.
Elected on September 23 to fill the seat left vacant by her late father, Raúl Grijalva, she’s been stuck in limbo for over a month, unable to fully represent her district or participate in key votes.
This holdup has sparked accusations that Johnson is playing politics to block progress on releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender with ties to powerful figures, including President Donald Trump.
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Grijalva, who represents a district covering much of Arizona’s southern border and parts of Tucson, has described her current status in Washington as little more than that of a tourist.
“Respectfully, I don’t have constituents until I am sworn in. When I’m sworn in, I have constituents.
Until then, I am a tourist in D.C. who does not have an identification to get in through security,” she told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during an appearance on “The Source.”
She went on to highlight practical roadblocks: no budget for her office, inability to authorize staff IDs, and even outdated voicemails still featuring her father’s voice in some district offices.
A check by reporters confirmed these issues—one Tucson line played Raúl Grijalva’s message, who passed away in March, while another in Somerton was full and a third in Tolleson was disconnected.
What is Mike Johnson’s Deal?
Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, has pushed back, insisting the delay follows House precedent and is tied to the ongoing partial government shutdown, during which no legislative sessions are being held.
“The only thing she can’t do right now is vote on the floor because no one is because we’re not in legislative session. That’s the only thing she’s prevented from doing,” he claimed on the same CNN show.
He pointed to a similar wait for Republican Rep. Julia Letlow in 2021 under then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was sworn in after a few weeks.
But critics note Johnson has already sworn in two GOP reps, Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis, outside of session earlier this year.
Johnson dismissed any link to the Epstein files, saying it has “zero to do with Epstein,” and took a jab at Grijalva: “Instead of doing TikTok videos, she should be serving her constituents.”
Grijalva fired back, denying she’s on TikTok and accusing him of trolling her.
Why Grijalva’s Inclusion is Important
The tension boils down to a discharge petition in the House that needs 218 signatures to force a vote on releasing Epstein-related documents held by the White House.
Grijalva has pledged to be that pivotal signature, potentially exposing details about Epstein’s network of influential associates.
Democratic leaders argue Johnson’s stall tactic is a blatant move to prevent this, especially amid bipartisan interest in transparency.
As one outlet reported, the files are “expected to include the names of wealthy and powerful men who had sex with underage girls,” underscoring the high stakes.
This saga has now spilled into the courts. On Tuesday, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking to compel Grijalva’s swearing-in.
The complaint argues that Johnson lacks constitutional authority to deny a duly elected member their seat simply by avoiding regular sessions.
“If the Speaker were granted that authority, he could thwart the peoples’ choice of who should represent them in Congress by denying them representation for a significant portion of the two-year term provided by the Constitution,” the filing states.
“Fortunately, the Constitution does not give that authority to the Speaker—or anyone else.” Mayes, a Democrat, emphasized that the voters of southern Arizona deserve immediate representation.
Grijalva echoed this in her own statement: “It’s an unlawful breach of our Constitution and the democratic process.
The voters of Southern Arizona made their choice, yet for four weeks, he has refused to seat a duly elected Member of Congress – denying Southern Arizona its constitutional representation.”
Johnson Faces Bipartisan Fury
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had warned of legal action last week, telling reporters, “This has gone on now for weeks.
And so it’s my expectation that, if she is not sworn in today — during the pro forma session today — as the Arizona attorney general has made clear, expect swift and decisive legal action.”
The delay comes against the backdrop of a broader government shutdown, now in its second week, centered on fights over health care funding and expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Ohio Rep. Emilia Sykes, another Democrat, highlighted the chaos in a recent interview, saying, “Sometimes the fish rots from the head … and the Speaker allows the House to be a laughingstock.”
She tied it to wider dysfunction, noting how the GOP’s control of Congress and the White House hasn’t led to bipartisan negotiations.
Sykes also mentioned the Epstein files push, saying it has “bipartisan support and will almost certainly move forward” once Grijalva is seated.
Marjorie Taylor Green also accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of hypocrisy over his handling of allegations against a fellow Republican lawmaker.
Other reports have amplified the story’s implications. The Associated Press noted that Mayes’ suit aims to let someone else administer the oath if Johnson won’t, calling it a direct challenge to his power during the shutdown.
The Guardian described Grijalva as “blocked” by the Republican speaker, framing it as part of ongoing partisan gridlock.
MSNBC’s opinion piece from Mayes herself accused Johnson of using Grijalva as a “pawn” in the shutdown fight, stressing the need for accountability.
And The New York Times reported on the lawsuit’s argument that the speaker has no discretion to withhold the oath from a certified winner.
Johnson maintains he’s eager to swear her in once the House reconvenes, promising it on “the first day we come back.”
But with no end to the shutdown in sight and protests like the “No Kings” rallies planned nationwide, including in Akron on October 18, the pressure is mounting.
For Grijalva’s 800,000 constituents, the wait means delayed action on border issues, health care, and more— all while a potential bombshell on Epstein hangs in the balance.
As Sykes put it amid the turmoil, “It’s not about a caucus or a party … it’s about people living comfortable, safe and secure lives.”
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