The Press Room Adelita Grijalva | Newest U.S. Congresswoman talks priorities and her big election win
Sep 26, 2025
Adelita Grijalva, Arizona's first Latina Congresswoman and former Pima County Supervisor, shares her journey from local politics to Congress and her commitment to immigration reform and environmental issues. She aims for bipartisan efforts on crucial topics like water rights. Joining her is Samara Klar, a political science professor, who discusses the rise of independent voters and the challenges they face. Together, they explore the importance of collaboration amidst partisanship and how new leadership can influence change in a polarized environment.
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A Roller Coaster Year And Family Legacy
- Adelita Grijalva described the last year as a roller coaster after her father's illness and the special election.
- She emphasized there is no replacing her father and she wants to honor his legacy by holding the door open for others.
Local Roots Shape Congressional Approach
- Moving from local office to Congress changes daily life and responsibilities significantly.
- Adelita Grijalva intends to stay present with constituents despite those shifts.
Rhetoric vs. Practical Cooperation
- Adelita Grijalva highlighted that local governing requires returning to work together after disagreements.
- She argued rhetoric that frames politics as binary misrepresents most people's nuanced needs.