Adelita Grijalva: ‘The first thing I’ll do is sign the petition for the release of the Epstein files’

The U.S. government shutdown that began on Wednesday has interrupted services across the country and left tens of thousands of federal employees without pay. But it has also been used, Democrats allege, as a pretext to keep its newest member, Adelita Grijalva, Arizona’s newly elected representative, in limbo. Once confirmed in her position, she is expected to trigger a political scandal that could shake Donald Trump’s administration. Grijalva has pledged to become the crucial 218th signer of a petition that would force a Congressional vote to release federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019. The documents are speculated to contain compromising information about President Donald Trump.

Grijalva was elected by nearly 40 points in a special election held on September 23 in Arizona, following the death of her father, Raúl, in March, which left his seat in the House of Representatives vacant. More than a week later, the first Latina elected to represent Arizona in Congress has still not been sworn in. Her party colleagues claim that Republicans have used the government shutdown as a maneuver to delay her arrival at the Capitol and, consequently, the release of the Epstein files.

When asked whether she believes Republicans are trying to block her from signing the petition, she only says that it seems “suspicious” to her. “The only difference between me and other recently sworn-in members is that I am the 218th signer” of the petition, she told EL PAÍS in a phone interview. House Speaker Republican Mike Johnson pledged Thursday to confirm her “early next week.” Once confirmed, Grijalva would reduce the narrow Republican margin in the House, where they hold 219 seats compared to 213 for the Democrats (with two other vacancies).

Grijalva, 54, is a native of Tucson, close to the border with Sonora, Mexico. Alongside her father, she has always been involved in local politics. The veteran congressman had a long career of fighting for social justice behind him. So when his health began to decline, she did not hesitate to step forward to continue his legacy.

Question. Do you view the fact that you haven’t been sworn in yet as a political move?

Answer: I don’t think they’re afraid of me. Maybe the speaker just wants more time to try to work on getting one of the four Republicans to take their name off [the Epstein files discharge petition]. But who’s losing out here are the constituents in Arizona. I can’t hire staff. I can’t open up an office. We can’t get our computer set up. I can’t walk into the Capitol without security clearance. It’s frustrating. My colleagues treat me like I’m already in, but I’m not.

Q. Some lawmakers have argued that the government shutdown served as an excuse to delay your swearing-in. How does this affect your ability to represent your constituents in Arizona?

A. Until I’m sworn in, I can’t do anything at the federal level. I’m completely in limbo.

Q. What are your immediate priorities once you are officially sworn in?

A. First, I will sign the discharge petition for the release of the Epstein files and other similar petitions. I’m going to co-sponsor legislation, hire staff, open offices, and serve the people of this district. That’s what I was elected to do. I’m frustrated that I can’t get started yet.

Q. You’re inheriting the seat your father held for 22 years. How do you plan to leave your own mark without being seen in the shadow of your family name?

A. I’m proud to be his daughter. People may see me that way, and that’s okay. The fights that we have to deal with are different, but if I could do the job the way he did, I think that everyone would be very happy with the kind of constituent service and the kind of representative I would be for southern Arizona.

Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges for Democrats in this administration, especially heading into the midterm elections?

A. We are in the minority. Republicans control the House, the Senate, the White House. It feels like they also control the judiciary depending on the day. Our role is to be the party of the people, fighting for healthcare and other public services. The midterm elections are an important opportunity to get some balance in the House. I am hopeful because my victory shows that voters support progressive candidates when they trust them, with values like Medicare for All, environmental protection, public education, immigrant rights, and comprehensive immigration reform. I am also the first Latina and Chicana from Arizona in Congress. It’s important to highlight issues that affect Latinos and encourage others to get involved in the community.

Q. As a representative of a district near the U.S.-Mexico border, what is your opinion of the Trump administration’s immigration policies?

A. I think it’s racist, dangerous, exclusionary. Families are being separated, and people are being detained, having committed no crime. We need comprehensive and humane immigration reform, with a path to legalization. Immigrants contribute to the economy, contrary to what some believe. So, to protect the immigrant community, the first thing I will do is inform people about their rights, speak out publicly about injustices, and highlight cases like those of business owners who have been unjustly detained. Representation is very important, and we must ensure fair treatment for all.

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