Az governor sets CD7 special election following Grijalva’s death

Declaring Arizona’s 7th Congressional District seat vacant after the death of Rep. Raul Grijalva, Gov. Katie Hobbs set a special election — a primary on July 15 and general election on September 23.

The governor issued a proclamation on Friday, a day after the longtime Democratic congressman died.

No candidates have yet declared that they’re seeking the office.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who had widely been seen as a potential contender, said Friday that she won’t run.

“I know that serving as mayor of Tucson is a distinct honor in these challenging times and is the best way for be to continue to work on behalf of Tucsonans,” said the Democrat, who has built substantial connections with national Democrats in recent years, seemingly in preparation for a run for higher office.

The Prop. 414 half-cent sales tax increase that Romero had championed was soundly defeated by city voters on Tuesday, by a 70-30 margin.

Romero’s husband is Grijalva’s longtime right-hand man, District Director Ruben Reyes.

Another potential candidate is the congressman’s daughter, Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva. She has not made any announcement regarding the election yet.

No appointments allowed

The U.S. Constitution requires members of the House of Representatives to be elected by the people; unlike senators, they cannot be appointed.

The state’s online E-Qual portal for collecting nomination signatures will be opened on Monday, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes announced.

Arizona state law required Hobbs to fix the date for the special election within 72 hours of the seat becoming vacant. With the next regular general election more than six months away, she had to set the special primary between 120 and 133 days after the vacancy, and the special general election 70-80 days after that.

Even if the winner is apparent quickly after the September election, the new representative likely won’t be able to be sworn in and seated until the race is formally canvassed — which would take place after the required election checks are made during the weeks after the election. That means CD7 may be without a member of Congress through early October.

While it’s most common for congressional representatives to live within the districts that elect them, it’s not required that they do so. The Constitution only mandates that they be state residents. U.S. Rep. Eli Crane, a Republican, for example, does not live in Arizona’s CD2.