Arizona Special Election Results: Adelita Grijalva Advances, Butierez Sets Up September Showdown
Introduction
On July 15, 2025, Arizona's 7th Congressional District held its highly anticipated special primary elections to fill the seat vacated by the late Representative Raúl Grijalva. The races reflected deep dynamics within both parties—powerful legacies on the Democratic side, and fresh GOP contenders seeking their moment. The final results set up a compelling general election matchup: Democrat Adelita Grijalva against Republican Daniel Butierez, scheduled for September 23, 2025. Below, we break down the results, context, and implications of this critical election in Southern Arizona.
Democratic Primary – Establishment Prevails
Battle of Experience vs. Youth
Among Democrats, Adelita Grijalva, 54, who previously served on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, emerged decisively victorious with about 62% of the vote. Her strongest opponent, 25-year-old activist Deja Foxx, captured roughly 21%, signaling clear but limited generational tension within the party. State lawmaker Daniel Hernandez secured third place with 14% .
Legacy vs. Digital Momentum
Grijalva, daughter of Raúl Grijalva, highlighted her long-standing presence and deep roots in the community. She knocked on over 39,000 doors and mobilized 1,400 volunteers Arizona Mirror. In contrast, Deja Foxx ran a digital-first, grassroots campaign focused on young voters and housing social media reach, but her bid didn’t translate into broader electoral support .
Republican Primary – Butierez Leads the Ticket
GOP Field and Results
Republican business owner Daniel Butierez, who previously challenged Raúl Grijalva in 2024, secured the GOP nomination with approximately 59–60% of the vote, defeating contenders Jorge Rivas (≈25%) and Jimmy Rodriguez (≈14%). Reflecting a moderate pivot, Butierez invited opponents and cross-party participants to his watch party—a possible signal of broader appeal.
General Election Preview – What Comes Next
September 23 Showdown
The candidates now advance to the September 23 general election: Adelita Grijalva vs. Daniel Butierez. The district—stretching from Tucson to the U.S.–Mexico border—is strongly Democratic. As such, Grijalva enters as the overwhelming favorite.
Campaign Strategies
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Grijalva's campaign emphasizes maintaining her father's legacy and progressive priorities.
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Butierez aims for cross-party appeal with a more moderate and business-oriented profile, leaning into his local roots and community focus.
Special Primary Results Overview
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | Adelita Grijalva | ~33,000 | 62% | Name recognition, local organizing, solid legacy |
| Democrats | Deja Foxx | ~11,200 | ~21% | Digital campaign, youth mobilization |
| Democrats | Daniel Hernandez | ~7,600 | ~14% | Moderate progressive, legislative background |
| Republicans | Daniel Butierez | ~8,700 | ~60% | Local business profile, bipartisan messaging |
| Republicans | Jorge Rivas | ~3,800 | 26% | Grassroots presence |
| Republicans | Jimmy Rodriguez | ~2,300 | 14% | Local small-business support |
Key Takeaways & Election Implications
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Strong Democratic Hold – The 7th district remains safely blue, making Grijalva the likely general election winner.
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Legacy Advantage – Family name and established network gave Adelita a critical edge over new challengers.
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Digital vs. Ground Game – Foxx’s campaign shows digital strategies won’t always outperform traditional organizing.
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Generational Divide – Grijalva vs. Foxx framed as experience vs. youth, but policy differences were minimal.
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Moderate GOP Strategy – Butierez’s more inclusive tone may appeal to independent voters in November.
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Progressive Consensus – Both Democratic frontrunners backed progressive platforms, but internal party unity favored the establishment.
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Cross-Party Invitation – Butierez’s watch-party outreach hints at a less polarized local campaign.
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Voter Engagement – Strong turnout signals high community interest in leadership continuity.
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Multi-Party Race Ahead – Write-ins and third-party candidates (Green, Libertarian, No Labels) will participate in the general election.
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National Attention – The primary reflected progressive party tensions and received national coverage.
What’s Next in the Race
Timeline Ahead
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September 23, 2025 – Special general election.
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Campaign Focus – Grijalva will highlight continuity and experience; Butierez will push for business-oriented, moderate messaging.
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Voter Dynamics – Young voters remain a key demographic—how they vote could shape engagement strategies in blue districts.
Issues at Play
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Immigration & Border – Critical in a district that borders Mexico.
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Environmental Justice – Grijalva’s background may position her as a leader on climate and conservation issues.
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Economic Recovery – Butierez will target business growth and community economic development.
Conclusion
Arizona’s July 15 special primary results set the stage for an important general election. Adelita Grijalva moves forward with strong support, building on her father’s legacy and progressive platform. On the Republican side, Daniel Butierez brings a moderate, approachable tone into a typically one-party stronghold.
As September approaches, the spotlight will be on voter turnout, campaigning style, and messaging that resonates across this diverse, economically dynamic district. The outcome won’t just fill a vacancy—it will also serve as a gauge of evolving political divides along generational lines.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover the road to September 23rd—a pivotal moment for Tucson, Southern Arizona, and the nation in understanding how community, identity, and legacy shape our political landscape.
