U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ) led a group of Democratic lawmakers to the floor of the House of Representatives during a pro forma session on October 8, 2025, to demand that Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva be sworn in. The Republican presiding over the session refused to recognize their request before ending the session. The House has not held a regular session since September 19.
Stanton was joined by House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ).
During the session, Stanton called out, “Mr. Speaker, we seek recognition. We need to swear in Adelita Grijalva. We seek recognition, Mr. Speaker. Do not ignore us. We need to swear in our duly-elected member Adelita Grijalva.” After the session was ended without action, he stated, “That’s undemocratic.”
Stanton has criticized Speaker of the House Mike Johnson for not following precedent and refusing to administer the oath of office to Representative-elect Grijalva.
In recent elections, Stanton has maintained his seat by defeating Kelly Cooper in both 2022 and 2024 general elections.
Further details can be found at https://stanton.house.gov/2025/10/stanton-leads-house-democratic-leadership-in-demanding-rep-elect-grijalva-be-sworn-in-republicans-refuse-to-recognize-them-on-house-floor.
