Arizona Attorney General Sues Speaker Mike Johnson for Blocking Swearing-In of Elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit against the U.S. House of Representatives and Speaker Mike Johnson for refusing to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva.

“Like every authoritarian before him, Trump is working to co-opt news sources and control what the public sees and hears”

Common Dreams

Grijalva won a special election in late September to fill Arizona’s 7th District seat.

Common Dreams

The lawsuit argues that the Constitution requires duly elected members who meet qualifications to be sworn in without delay.

It asks the court to allow someone other than the Speaker to administer the oath if Johnson continues to refuse.

Mayes and Democrats say the delay disenfranchises the district, with Mayes calling it “taxation without representation.”

Johnson dismisses the case as a “publicity stunt” and says he will swear Grijalva in when the House resumes regular session amid the shutdown.

Johnson justifies the delay by citing a precedent attributed to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi—waiting to seat members elected during recess until the House reconvenes.

He says Grijalva will be sworn in when regular sessions resume.

Democracy Docket

Some outlets detail the “Pelosi precedent,” including a 25-day wait for Rep. Julia Letlow in 2021.

Other sources challenge the comparison, noting Johnson swore in two Republicans during a pro forma session in April.

They also point out that Pelosi coordinated with Letlow after her election.

This leaves an unresolved dispute over whether precedent supports or refutes Johnson’s position.

Democrats and several media outlets allege that Johnson is blocking Grijalva to prevent her from becoming the 218th signature on a discharge petition aimed at forcing the release of Jeffrey Epstein files.

“By Holmes Lybrand, CNN Arizona’s attorney general has sued the US House of Representatives over Republican Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to seat an Arizona member of Congress – who was elected in late September – due to the government shutdown”

KGUN 9

They claim this move is intended to gain leverage in shutdown and budget negotiations.

The Guardian and The Independent report that supporters believe Grijalva's signature would be decisive for the Epstein files petition.

Fox News and Washington Examiner convey Democrats' accusations but also include Johnson's denial and his explanation related to scheduling.

Deseret News adds that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries supports the lawsuit.

Johnson claims that Grijalva can still serve her constituents with an office, although with limited resources.

The practical impact is immediate: Grijalva remains unable to perform core duties without the oath, with some access but limited resources.

Washington Examiner reports she cannot fully serve her constituents and likens the situation to a car without essential parts.

Букви

The Guardian notes she remains unable to access office resources or perform official tasks.

Cronkite News details multiple failed attempts to swear her in during pro forma sessions and a timeline that matched a prior 25-day wait before the lawsuit was announced.

NOTUS underscores that Arizona is being denied its rightful representation during the delay.

The lawsuit seeks a court order allowing any authorized official to administer the oath if Johnson refuses.

“PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva have filed a lawsuit in U”

12News

TPM reports that Republicans blocked efforts to address the issue during pro forma sessions.

12News

Raw Story notes that Mayes first sent a letter before filing the lawsuit.

Fox News places the standoff within the broader context of shutdown brinkmanship by the House GOP.

Johnson maintains he will seat Grijalva when the House returns to legislative business.

Local outlets and wire services highlight Grijalva’s election date and the familial succession aspect.

They emphasize the continuity of the seat following the death of Rep. Raúl Grijalva.