• Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sues the House over Adelita Grijalva's delayed swearing-in.
• Grijalva was elected on September 23, 2023, but has not been sworn in due to a government shutdown.
• The lawsuit argues that Speaker Mike Johnson's actions disenfranchise Arizona voters.
• Johnson cites a precedent to delay swearing in new members during the congressional recess.
• Grijalva emphasizes the constitutional right to representation for her constituents.

Arizona's attorney general, Kris Mayes, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. House of Representatives to compel Speaker Mike Johnson to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. This legal action follows Grijalva's election victory on September 23, 2023, to fill the seat vacated by her late father, Raul Grijalva. The lawsuit demands Grijalva's immediate swearing-in, arguing that the delay hinders her ability to represent her constituents, especially concerning crucial votes, including those related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to CBS News and ABC News.

The lawsuit contends that the Constitution provides no authority for the Speaker to delay the seating of a duly elected member. Mayes stated, "Speaker Mike Johnson is actively stripping the people of Arizona of one of their seats in Congress and disenfranchising the voters." Grijalva echoed this sentiment, arguing that the obstruction constitutes "taxation without representation," highlighting her commitment to ensuring her constituents are not silenced during the ongoing government shutdown, according to AA and ABC News.

Speaker Johnson defended the delay by referring to a precedent set by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, suggesting that he intends to wait until Congress reconvenes to administer the oath. He argued that Grijalva's election occurred after the House had already gone out of session. However, the legal complaint asserts that Johnson's refusal to seat Grijalva is strategically aimed at consolidating power during negotiations, especially concerning budget issues, according to CBS News and AA.