Overview
- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to compel Speaker Mike Johnson to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva after her Sept. 23 special-election win.
- Johnson’s office says he will administer the oath only when the House returns to regular session during the shutdown and cites precedent for waiting.
- Grijalva has now waited 36 days, longer than any special-election winner in the 21st century, as critics note Johnson previously swore in two Republicans during pro forma sessions.
- Republican voices including Rep. Kevin Kiley and former Rep. Mo Brooks have urged immediate seating, arguing constituents deserve representation.
- Epstein survivors issued an open letter urging Johnson to stop obstructing the oath, while Grijalva says the delay blocks her office budget, staffing and constituent services for roughly 800,000 residents.