Arizona Sues U.S. House Over Delay in Swearing In Democratic Rep.-Elect Adelita Grijalva

The state of Arizona has filed a lawsuit against the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives, accusing House Speaker Mike Johnson of unlawfully delaying the swearing-in of Democratic Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva. Grijalva, 54, won a special election last month to fill the seat left vacant by her late father, Representative Raul Grijalva, who passed away in March.

According to Arizona Attorney General Kristin Mayes, Johnson’s refusal to convene the House and administer the oath violates the Constitution and undermines voters’ rights. “This case is about whether someone duly elected to Congress—who meets all constitutional requirements—may be denied office because the Speaker has chosen to keep the House out of session,” Mayes stated in the filing. She argued that Johnson lacks the authority to “thwart the people’s choice” and effectively disenfranchise an entire district.

Arizona’s lawsuit seeks a judicial order recognizing Grijalva as a member of Congress once she takes the oath of office. It also asks the court to allow any authorized official to administer the oath if Johnson continues to delay.

Speaker Johnson dismissed the lawsuit as “patently absurd,” claiming Arizona has “no jurisdiction” over House proceedings. He said the House is following precedent and accused Mayes of seeking publicity.

Currently, the House stands at 219 Republicans and 213 Democrats, with three vacant seats. Once Grijalva is sworn in, the balance will shift to 219–214, narrowing the GOP majority.

The lawsuit further alleges that Johnson’s delay is politically motivated, aiming to prevent Grijalva from signing a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing unclassified Jeffrey Epstein records from the Trump administration—legislation opposed by most Republicans. Grijalva condemned the delay, saying Johnson is “disenfranchising an entire district to block justice for Epstein survivors.”