Key Takeaways

• Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva still waits for her swearing in despite Arizona certifying her win.
• Speaker Mike Johnson has sworn in two Republicans during pro forma sessions but not Grijalva.
• Experts link the swearing in delay to her support for a bipartisan petition on Epstein files.
• Grijalva calls the hold-up patronizing and insists the Speaker must honor his duty.

Introduction

Adelita Grijalva won a special election to fill her late father’s seat in Arizona. Yet she remains unseated weeks later. Instead of swearing in Grijalva, House Speaker Mike Johnson held a brief pro forma meeting. Meanwhile, two Republicans won similar quick oaths. In fact, this unusual gap has sparked strong reactions. Many ask why the swearing in stalls for her but not for others. The answer may involve politics and a push to free Jeffrey Epstein files.

Background on the Special Election

Adelita Grijalva stepped forward after her father, Raúl Grijalva, passed away. He served Arizona’s 7th District for many years. This area leans deep blue, so her victory in September felt certain. After the election, Arizona’s Secretary of State certified her win. Normally, certification leads to a quick swearing in. However, formal seating depends on the Speaker’s action. For Grijalva, that action never arrived. Despite rules allowing brief sessions, Johnson did not administer her oath.

The Swearing In Delay Explained

Every member-elect needs a swearing in to take their seat. This oath marks official recognition in the House. Usually, the Speaker or a designee handles it at the next session. Yet in pro forma sessions, these brief meetings sometimes still include new members. Speaker Johnson did exactly that for two Republicans earlier this month. However, he stopped short with Grijalva. As a result, she remains a Representative-elect without full voting rights. This swearing in delay means she cannot join votes, debates, or committees.

Why the Swearing In Matters

Without a swearing in, Grijalva can’t represent her district in Congress. She cannot help pass laws or voice her constituents’ needs. Consequently, Arizona’s 7th District goes unrepresented in key decisions. For example, budget debates or critical aid votes move forward without her input. Also, committees weigh in on bills before they reach the full House. Grijalva misses those discussions too. In a tight chamber, every vote can decide a bill’s fate. Therefore, the swearing in delay hurts not just her but the people who elected her.

Grijalva Speaks Out on the Delay

On CNN’s “OutFront,” Grijalva called Johnson’s remarks offensive and patronizing. She noted that two members took their oaths during pro forma sessions. In fact, she said, “Yesterday my race was certified. That is how things work.” She reminded the Speaker that his role includes swearing in members without bias. Furthermore, she pointed out that she does know House procedures. She added that politics should not interfere with her duty to serve. Grijalva insisted her constituents deserve full representation now.

What Experts Suspect Behind the Delay

Many observers believe the delay links to Grijalva’s push for transparency. She supports a bipartisan discharge petition to force the White House to release Jeffrey Epstein files. President Trump has resisted sharing these documents. The petition needs 218 signatures to proceed. At this moment, it sits at 217 supporters. If Grijalva joins, the measure could move forward. Thus, some think Johnson stalled her swearing in to block one crucial vote. In fact, insiders say withholding her oath stalls her ability to sign the petition.

The House discharge petition works like this: when enough members sign, it forces a bill out of committee. Then the full House takes it up. By delaying the swearing in, Grijalva remains powerless to influence this process. Critics call this tactic a clear abuse of power. They argue that routine swearing in should not hinge on a member-elect’s policy views. In turn, supporters of Johnson claim he has discretion over such ceremonies. Yet most agree this move breaks with recent precedent.

The Role of Pro Forma Sessions

Pro forma sessions involve brief meetings with no real business. They often last only seconds. Nevertheless, they can legitimize certain actions, like swearing in new members. Recently, Speaker Johnson used a pro forma session to swear in two Republican lawmakers. This made his refusal to do the same for Grijalva even harder to justify. Members of both parties view this inconsistency as troubling. After all, the Constitution grants each House the power to judge its own elections and memberships. In practice, the Speaker customarily respects election outcomes and certifies them with a quick oath.

Political and Legal Debate

Legally, the Speaker holds the gavel on when to swear in members. Yet history suggests fairness across party lines. Politically, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. They warn it sets a dangerous precedent. If a Speaker can withhold a swearing in for political reasons, future majorities could weaponize this power. On the other hand, defenders argue the House rules give wide latitude on when to administer oaths. Still, most point out that swift swearing ins maintain the institution’s integrity.

Looking Ahead for Grijalva and the House

Grijalva and her allies continue to press Johnson publicly. They hope to force a formal oath before Congress resumes full sessions in two weeks. Meanwhile, the discharge petition on the Epstein files hangs by a signature. If the Speaker grants the swearing in, she could sign and push for transparency. Otherwise, she remains a Representative-elect in name only. In the coming days, this standoff could test both House unity and public trust. Ultimately, the dispute may reshape how future swearing in procedures unfold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a swearing in is delayed?

A delay means the member-elect cannot vote, debate, or serve on committees. Districts lose their voice until the oath occurs.

Why did Johnson swear in other members during pro forma sessions?

He used brief meetings to quickly seat two Republican members. These same sessions could have seated Grijalva.

Can a single member block a discharge petition?

Yes. The petition needs 218 signatures. Holding one spot back prevents the measure from moving forward.

Is this delay common in Congress?

No. While the Speaker controls oaths, routine practice is to swear in members swiftly after certification. Speaker actions against that norm spark debate.