Context:

In the wake of Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva's death, a hotly contested race is unfolding in Arizona's 7th Congressional District, a Democratic stronghold. Five Democrats, including Grijalva's daughter Adelita, and three Republicans are competing in the July 15 primary, with a general election set for September. Democratic candidates are largely unified in opposing a copper mining project, denouncing Trump's immigration policies, and advocating for healthcare funding. On the Republican side, candidates generally support stricter immigration enforcement but express varied views on specific policy implementations. The district's demographic and political landscape suggests a challenging path for Republicans seeking an upset, despite the GOP candidates' optimism for change after two decades of Democratic representation.

Dive Deeper:

• Adelita Grijalva is seen as the frontrunner among Democrats, drawing on her father's legacy, while advocating her independent record in public service. She and other Democratic candidates oppose a copper mining project that threatens sacred sites and the environment, with Daniel Hernandez being the exception, who believes in balancing environmental protection with job creation.

• Daniel Hernandez, known for his role in saving former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, focuses on gun violence and transgender rights, arguing that the 7th District's working-class and Latino population will maintain its Democratic leaning despite Republican efforts.

• Deja Foxx, the youngest Democratic contender, uses her personal story of overcoming financial hardship to connect with voters and emphasizes her readiness to oppose Trump if elected. Her campaign highlights her experience in political strategy during Kamala Harris' presidential run.

• Republican candidates like Daniel Butierez and Jorge Rivas, who have unique personal and professional backgrounds, support Trump's immigration policies but share concerns with Democrats over healthcare funding. Butierez's transformative life experience, involving a wrongful drug conviction, shapes his political vision.

• Jimmy Rodriguez, another Republican hopeful, brings a personal narrative of loss and redemption into his campaign, advocating for job opportunities for immigrants in non-criminal sectors, while acknowledging past mistakes and seeking to provide the leadership he once needed.

• The 7th District's geographic and demographic makeup, including its extensive border with Mexico and significant Latino electorate, poses a formidable challenge for Republicans, despite their hope for a political shift after 22 years of Democratic control.

• The primary election, set for July 15, will determine which candidates from each party will face off in the general election on September 23, with the Democrats expected to maintain a strong hold on the district barring any major upsets.