Arizona Democrat’s Win Enables House Vote on Epstein Files Release

Adelita Grijalva won a special election to fill Arizona's 7th Congressional District seat, previously held by her late father, Raul Grijalva, thereby narrowing the Republican majority in the House. Her victory provides the crucial 218th signature needed on a bipartisan discharge petition to force a House vote demanding the Trump administration release its investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein. The petition, co-sponsored by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna, has garnered support from all Democrats and several Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert. Grijalva committed to signing the petition on her first day in Congress, framing it as a constitutional check on the administration and a demand for justice for survivors. This development is seen as a significant step toward greater transparency regarding Epstein's case, which continues to provoke controversy and criticism of the Trump administration's handling of the files. Additionally, Grijalva's election has been praised by various lawmakers and advocacy groups for her leadership and commitment to public service.