Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva on first two weeks in Congress

Since being sworn in on November 12, 2025, Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva (D) of the 7th Congressional District has been busy. From attempting to tackle skyrocketing health care premiums to signing the discharge petition that would force a floor vote on compelling the Department of Justice to release the complete files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Congresswoman Grijalva, who fills the seat vacated by her father when he passed away last year, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss her first two weeks in U.S. Congress.

Congresswoman Grijalva’s swearing-in was delayed more than seven weeks due to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to administer the oath during the government shutdown, making her wait the longest of any incoming House member after a special election.

“Literally, last week was my first full week,” she said.

Though her father served in Congress for two decades, Congresswoman Grijalva noted she entered Washington with no insider advantage.

“That’s his experience. If my dad were a pilot, I don’t sit in a cockpit, and fly away,” she said. “I’m a very freshman freshman.”

Her early days have included navigating a sharply divided Congress.

“It’s literally like watching a soap opera in real time,” Congresswoman Grijalva said, describing lawmakers sitting on separate sides of the chamber “like a high school cafeteria” with little interaction between parties.

She expressed frustration that political drama has consumed precious time while the country faces “a horrible economy” and the lingering impacts of the shutdown.

A major focus for Congresswoman Grijalva has been defending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and pushing back against efforts to dismantle it.

“This is really just an attack on the foundation of ACA,” she said, arguing Republicans have had “15 years to come up with a better solution” but instead continue to weaken the law.

Congresswoman Grijalva was skeptical that House leadership would hold a promised vote on extending subsidies, saying the Speaker “has been very careful to avoid any real commitment.”

Congresswoman Grijalva was also a strong supporter of releasing the Epstein files, calling the issue “about justice for the survivors” and insisting on transparency after President Donald Trump failed to release the documents as promised.

She expressed concern that under the current administration, “I can’t count on the fact that we’re going to get all of the information we deserve.”

Despite the delays and challenges, Congresswoman Grijalva said her constituents were relieved to finally have representation again.

“Arizona deserves to have representation,” she said. “I’m excited for our platform.”