Arizona AG Sues Speaker Johnson for Failing to Seat Grijalva/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a federal lawsuit against House Speaker Mike Johnson for delaying the swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. The suit argues Johnson is violating constitutional rights by withholding the ceremony. Grijalva, elected in September, says her constituents have lacked representation for nearly a month.
Arizona v. Mike Johnson + Quick Looks
- Kris Mayes sues Mike Johnson for blocking Adelita Grijalva’s swearing-in.
- Grijalva won a special election to succeed her late father.
- Mayes says delaying the swearing-in violates constitutional rights.
- Johnson says the House is in recess and denies wrongdoing.
- Lawsuit seeks to compel action or allow alternate swearing-in.
- Johnson accused Grijalva of seeking publicity and wasting time.
- Grijalva links delay to her support of Epstein investigation disclosures.
- Constituents lack federal services due to her not being sworn in.
- Speaker insists Grijalva will be sworn in after government reopens.
Deep Look: Arizona Sues Speaker Mike Johnson Over Grijalva Swearing-In Delay
WASHINGTON — October 21, 2025 – In a rare legal challenge to congressional procedure, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing him of unlawfully blocking the swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva and denying constituents their right to representation.
Filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., the lawsuit demands that Johnson immediately seat Grijalva or allow another official to administer the oath of office. Mayes, a Democrat, argues that the delay violates constitutional protections and leaves over 700,000 Arizonans without federal representation.
“Constitutional rights cannot be used as a bargaining chip,” Mayes wrote in the court filing.
The Lawsuit: Representation on Hold
Grijalva, a Democrat, won a special election on September 23 to represent Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, following the death of her father, longtime Representative Raúl Grijalva. However, Speaker Johnson adjourned the House four days earlier, on September 19, amid a budget standoff, and has refused to reconvene the chamber to formally seat her.
In a letter last week, Mayes warned Johnson that legal action would follow if Grijalva was not sworn in by week’s end. Now, that threat has materialized.
Speaker Johnson Responds: “Patently Absurd”
Speaking to reporters, Speaker Johnson dismissed the lawsuit as a political stunt.
“We run the House. She has no jurisdiction. We’re following precedent,” Johnson said Tuesday.
“It’s patently absurd. She’s suing me for national publicity.”
Johnson also criticized Grijalva at a press conference on Monday, saying she was “doing TikTok videos” instead of “serving her constituents.” He insists she will be sworn in once the Senate acts on a bill to reopen the government, but has offered no timeline for resuming House proceedings.
Grijalva’s Stance: “Every Moment Matters”
Grijalva says the delay is hurting her district, which lacks access to federal funds, staff, and constituent services.
“There is so much that cannot be done until I’m sworn in,” she said during a press conference Tuesday with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“I cannot bring the issues forward that [voters] sent me here to do.”
According to Grijalva, her district office has been unfunded and non-operational for nearly a month, limiting her ability to respond to constituent needs or engage in legislative activity.
Political Tensions Behind the Delay?
Grijalva and her supporters suggest the delay may be politically motivated. She has publicly vowed to support an effort to force a vote on legislation demanding the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking investigation — a move that could make waves across party lines.
Speaker Johnson has not directly addressed that link, but the timing and resistance to seating her have raised accusations of retaliation.
Legal and Historical Context
This lawsuit adds to growing concerns over delays in congressional certification and seating. While the Constitution and House rules do not specify an exact timeline for swearing in a new member, critics argue that delaying a duly elected representative undermines democratic norms and voter rights.
The House Speaker typically holds authority over scheduling, but Mayes argues that withholding representation without justification crosses a legal line — especially given that Grijalva has already been certified by Arizona’s election officials.
What Comes Next?
The federal court will now weigh the lawsuit’s constitutional implications. If successful, the court could compel Johnson to administer the oath or permit another official — potentially the House Clerk or a designated judge — to swear in Grijalva.
Meanwhile, pressure is building on congressional Republicans to justify the delay. Minority Leader Jeffries has echoed Mayes’ legal arguments and accused Johnson of “abusing his power” for political reasons.
The Stakes for Arizona’s 7th District
Grijalva’s absence is not merely symbolic — her district has gone weeks without full federal representation, including access to legislative services, federal casework, and advocacy in Washington.
“Every moment that passes is a moment my district goes unheard,” Grijalva said.
If the standoff continues, it could become a national flashpoint in the broader debate over congressional authority, state rights, and the politicization of procedural norms.
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