Johnson refuses to swear in Grijalva, brushes aside Democrats’ legal threat — for now
Speaker Johnson Shrugs Off Legal Threats Over Adelita Grijalva Swearing-In
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is dismissing growing legal threats from Democrats if Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva is not sworn in during Friday’s pro forma session.
“It’s a publicity stunt by a Democrat Attorney General in Arizona who sees a national moment and wants to call me out,” Johnson told reporters Friday, referring to Arizona AG Kris Mayes. “She has nothing whatsoever to do with what’s happening in Congress.”
Mayes has warned of legal action if Johnson continues to delay the swearing-in of Grijalva, who won a special election more than three weeks ago to succeed her late father, Raúl Grijalva.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democrats voiced their support for Mayes, telling reporters Friday morning that “all options are on the table” to ensure Grijalva is seated. “As the Arizona Attorney General has made clear, expect swift and decisive legal action” if the swearing-in does not happen Friday afternoon, Jeffries added.
Democrats are expected to push again to have Grijalva officially sworn in during the brief pro forma session, though Republicans are likely to block the effort as they have in prior attempts.
“I thought Hakeem was a better attorney than that,” Johnson responded at his own news conference. He reiterated that Grijalva will be sworn in once the House returns from its extended recess to conduct legislative business — a move he says will only occur after Senate Democrats agree to back House-passed legislation to end the ongoing government shutdown.
The House has not held a floor vote in nearly a month.
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