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

BREAKING: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed an urgent federal lawsuit against House Republican leadership, accusing them of unlawfully blocking Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva from taking her seat. This legal action comes after nearly a month of delays following Grijalva’s victory in the September 23, 2023 special election to fill her late father’s congressional seat in Southern Arizona.

Mayes argues that House Speaker Mike Johnson lacks the constitutional authority to postpone Grijalva’s swearing-in, labeling the delay a partisan tactic that deprives Arizonans of their rightful representation in Congress. The lawsuit states that Johnson’s refusal to administer the oath of office violates both constitutional precedent and the state’s right to have nine seated representatives.

According to Mayes, the Speaker’s actions contradict the Supreme Court ruling in Powell v. McCormack, which protects the rights of members who meet all constitutional qualifications. Grijalva has yet to be sworn in, even though Johnson has publicly acknowledged her election, claiming she will be seated once the House reconvenes, attributing the delay to the ongoing government shutdown.

“This is a publicity stunt by a Democrat Attorney General who wants to make a name for herself,” Johnson stated, addressing the media on Friday. He firmly denied any connection between the delay and Grijalva’s potential vote on a discharge petition related to documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, asserting that the issue is unrelated.

As the situation evolves, multiple House Democrats, alongside Grijalva, have raised concerns that the delay is politically motivated, suggesting that Grijalva’s vote could be crucial in pushing forward critical congressional actions.

The federal lawsuit has sparked widespread attention and debate, with many calling for immediate resolution to ensure that the interests of Arizona’s constituents are not sidelined. Johnson and Mayes’ offices did not immediately respond to requests for comments from the media.

This legal action highlights the intense political climate and ramifications of the current government shutdown, which has already seen Senate Democrats opposing GOP-backed funding measures for the eleventh consecutive time.

As this story develops, observers are urged to track the implications of this lawsuit on the functioning of Congress and the urgent need for representation in Arizona. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.