Key Takeaways:

• Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing Speaker Mike Johnson.
• The lawsuit demands Speaker Johnson swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva.
• Grijalva has office keys but no phone or email access.
• The suit calls the refusal unconstitutional and against case law.
• Grijalva believes the block aims to halt a vote on Epstein files.

AG Takes Action to Swear In Adelita Grijalva

Arizona’s top lawyer is taking the U.S. House Speaker to court. Attorney General Kris Mayes wants Speaker Mike Johnson to swear in Adelita Grijalva. Grijalva won a seat in Congress over a month ago. Yet she still has not taken her oath. As a result, she cannot fully serve her district.

What’s Behind the Push to Swear In

First, Mayes sent a letter asking Johnson to swear in the new member. She reminded him that other members were sworn in during pro-forma sessions. Then, when Johnson ignored the request, Mayes prepared a lawsuit. She told reporters she was “within minutes” of filing it. Mayes says the refusal is unconstitutional and lacks any legal basis.

Why the Fight to Swear In Matters

Meanwhile, Grijalva can’t use a phone or email in her Washington office. She has keys but no way to answer calls or messages. That blocks her from helping people in her district. Moreover, she cannot vote on any bills or serve on committees. As a result, her constituents lose a voice in Congress.

Grijalva also believes there is a political motive. She would be the critical vote to force the release of files tied to a major sex trafficking investigation. If she could join the House, she could support a discharge petition. That petition would push a full vote on making those files public. Grijalva worries the files might stay hidden or get heavily redacted. She fears any delay could let important details disappear.

Constitutional Clash Over the Oath

The U.S. Constitution says each House sets its own rules. Yet it also requires that elected members take an oath before serving. Case law backs the idea that refusing to swear in a member is illegal. Mayes argues the House cannot block a sworn majority. She insists Grijalva’s rights to serve hinge on taking the oath.

As a result, the lawsuit will ask a court to order the swear in. If the court agrees, Speaker Johnson would have to perform the oath ceremony. That would let Grijalva sit, vote, and work for her district. Mayes says she expects to win, thanks to clear precedent.

Grijalva’s Office Challenges

Without phones or email, Grijalva’s staff cannot help constituents. Letters can arrive in her office, but no one can reply promptly. Voters have questions about federal benefits, job help, and local issues. Right now, they must go to other offices for assistance. This leaves her district underrepresented at a time of many pressing concerns.

Furthermore, Grijalva cannot join committee meetings or staff briefings. She misses out on shaping bills on education, healthcare, and local development. Delaying her swear in keeps her district out of key decisions.

Potential Outcomes of the Lawsuit

If the court rules in Mayes’s favor, the judge will likely issue an order. That order would force Speaker Johnson to swear in Grijalva immediately. Then Grijalva would gain full office access. She could answer calls, send emails, and cast votes.

However, if the court delays or denies the order, Grijalva remains blocked. The case could head to appeals. That process can stretch for months. During that time, her district stays without a full representative.

What This Means for Voters

For people in Grijalva’s district, this fight shows how one person can impact many. Without her in Congress, they lose a seat on important votes. Meanwhile, federal funding decisions move forward with one less voice. Thus, constituents feel ignored and powerless.

Moreover, the clash highlights the balance between political power and legal rules. It asks: Can a House leader pick and choose which members to seat? And what happens when political motives interfere with voters’ choices?

Next Steps and Timeline

The lawsuit will appear in federal court very soon. Both sides will file briefs explaining their views. Mayes’s team will point to case law about the oath. Johnson’s team might argue the House has the right to delay. A judge could hear arguments in days or weeks.

Then the court might issue an injunction. That would require Johnson to act while the case continues. Or the judge might hold off until a full hearing. In any case, the issue will likely reach higher courts if it stays unresolved.

Key Dates to Watch
• Filing of the lawsuit – Imminent
• Initial court hearing – Within weeks, possibly
• Potential injunction order – Depends on judge’s view
• Appeals timeline – Could extend for months

The Core Debate

At its heart, this fight is about power and procedure. Only one member stands between the current House majority and a new Democratic vote. If Grijalva gets sworn in, she could help pass or block bills. That matters especially for the debate on making sensitive files public.

In turn, this case could shape future rules on seating members. It may clarify whether a party leader can indefinitely delay a swear in. And it could set a stronger standard for protecting voters’ choices.

Ultimately, the outcome will affect more than one district. It will reach across the balance of power in Congress. Therefore, many are watching closely, from local voters to national lawmakers.

FAQs

How long can the House delay swearing in an elected member?

The Constitution requires an oath, but it does not set a deadline. Case law suggests long delays are unlawful, especially without clear rules.

Can the court force the Speaker to swear in a member?

Yes, judges can issue orders compelling actions that protect constitutional rights. If they find the refusal illegal, they can force the oath.

What powers does an unsworn member lack?

They cannot vote, join committees, use official phones, or send emails. They also miss briefings and staff support for constituents.

Will this case affect other members?

Potentially. A ruling could prevent future delays by party leaders. It might ensure all elected members get sworn in quickly.