Arizona AG Sues House GOP to Seat Rep-Elect Grijalva Amid Shutdown

UPDATE: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a federal lawsuit against House Republican leadership, demanding the immediate swearing-in of Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. This legal action comes nearly a month after Grijalva’s victory in the September 23, 2023 special election to fill her late father’s seat, leaving her without representation during the ongoing government shutdown.

Mayes argues that House Speaker Mike Johnson lacks the constitutional authority to block Grijalva’s swearing-in, branding it a partisan tactic that undermines Arizonans’ right to representation in Congress. The lawsuit highlights that Johnson’s refusal to administer the oath or permit anyone else to do so contravenes constitutional precedent and the state’s right to nine duly seated representatives.

Grijalva’s absence is particularly critical as she could play a pivotal role in key legislative decisions. The lawsuit cites the landmark Powell v. McCormack Supreme Court ruling, which prohibits Congress from excluding members who meet all constitutional qualifications.

While Johnson has acknowledged Grijalva’s election, he stated he would only swear her in once the House reconvenes, attributing the delay to the shutdown. In a response to the lawsuit, Johnson dismissed Mayes’ claims as a “publicity stunt,” suggesting her legal action is politically motivated and irrelevant to congressional proceedings.

Multiple House Democrats, alongside Grijalva, have voiced concerns that Johnson’s delay may be linked to her potential vote on a discharge petition related to documents tied to the late Jeffrey Epstein. However, Johnson has firmly rejected this notion, insisting that the delay is unrelated to the petition.

The situation intensifies as multiple Senate Democrats recently voted against a GOP-backed funding measure aimed at reopening the government for the eleventh time. The implications of Grijalva’s delayed swearing-in could further complicate the legislative landscape, raising questions about representation and accountability in Congress.

As this story develops, the urgency for Grijalva’s swearing-in remains palpable, with significant implications for her constituents and broader congressional dynamics. Both Johnson’s and Mayes’ offices have yet to respond to requests for further comment.

Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation that could drastically impact Arizona’s representation and the ongoing government shutdown.