Delay in Swearing-In of Adelita Grijalva Sparks Controversy Over Epstein Files

Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat from Arizona, won a special election on September 23, 2025, to fill the seat previously held by her late father, Raúl Grijalva. Despite her decisive victory, which saw her win by nearly 40 points, she has yet to be sworn into Congress. This delay has raised suspicions among Democrats, who allege that House Speaker Mike Johnson is stalling her swearing-in to prevent her from signing a discharge petition that would force a vote on releasing federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019.

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The ongoing government shutdown has been cited by Johnson as the reason for the delay in Grijalva's swearing-in. He has stated that the House is in a "pro forma" session, which typically does not allow for new members to be sworn in. However, critics point out that Johnson previously swore in two Republican members during similar sessions earlier in the year, raising questions about the consistency of his rationale. Grijalva is expected to be the 218th signature needed for the discharge petition aimed at compelling the Justice Department to release Epstein-related documents, which are believed to contain sensitive information about high-profile individuals, including former President Donald Trump.

Time Magazine

Johnson has repeatedly denied that the delay is politically motivated, asserting that it is standard practice to wait until the House is back in session to swear in new members. He stated, “It has nothing to do with that at all. We will swear her in when everybody gets back.” Grijalva, however, expressed skepticism about this claim, stating, “The only difference between me and other recently sworn-in members is that I am the 218th signer.” She has also indicated that she is exploring legal options to expedite her swearing-in.

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Democrats have accused Johnson and the Republican leadership of using the government shutdown as a pretext to obstruct Grijalva's entry into Congress. Senator Ruben Gallego remarked, “The Republicans are blocking her from her position because they want to protect pedophiles. It’s a disgrace.” Grijalva's fellow Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the delay is a calculated move to shield Trump from scrutiny related to the Epstein files.

New York Magazine

While Johnson maintains that the delay is procedural, some Republicans have privately expressed concerns about the implications of Grijalva's swearing-in. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican who supports the discharge petition, noted the potential for a significant shift in party dynamics if the vote on the Epstein files occurs. This has led to speculation that Johnson may be attempting to persuade Republican signatories to withdraw their support for the petition.

Time Magazine

As the government shutdown continues, Grijalva remains in limbo, unable to officially assume her role in Congress. She has indicated that she will not stop fighting for her constituents, emphasizing the importance of representation for the over 800,000 residents of Arizona's 7th District. The situation remains fluid, with potential legal action looming as Grijalva seeks to assert her right to be sworn in and participate in the legislative process.

Salon

• “The only difference between me and other recently sworn-in members is that I am the 218th signer” — Adelita Grijalva, Congresswoman-elect

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

• “It has nothing to do with that at all. We will swear her in when everybody gets back. It's a ceremonial duty.” — Mike Johnson, House Speaker

Newsweek

• “The Republicans are blocking her from her position because they want to protect pedophiles. It’s a disgrace,” — Ruben Gallego, Senator from Arizona

Newsweek

The unfolding events surrounding Adelita Grijalva's swearing-in highlight the intersection of political maneuvering and the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, raising questions about transparency and accountability in Congress.

Time Magazine