Overview
- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a federal suit Tuesday seeking a court order to compel House Speaker Mike Johnson to administer the oath to Adelita Grijalva.
- Grijalva joined the case and said Arizona voters are being silenced as she remains unable to take her seat following her September special-election win.
- Johnson says he will swear in Grijalva when the House reconvenes after the shutdown and claims he is following a precedent he attributes to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
- Democrats argue the delay is political, noting Grijalva’s signature could complete a discharge petition to force release of Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Johnson previously dismissed the legal threat as a publicity stunt and maintains he can proceed once the House returns to full legislative session.