Former House of Representative runs for open Congress seat

Daniel Hernandez has entered the race for the District 7 Congressional seat.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Former member of the House of Representatives Daniel Hernandez has thrown his hat in the ring to fill the seat of the late Congressman Raul Grijalva.

"My heart goes out to the family, I know how hard it is to lose a parent," said Hernandez.

Grijalva died of cancer treatment complication in mid-March. A special election will be used to fill the role.  

Hernandez says his years of serving as a representative, as well his years on different committees also make him prepared for the position.

"We have a dire need for strong leadership in DC to fight back against the extremism who can actually deliver results, and I spent six years in the Arizona state legislature fighting against Republican extremism," said Hernandez.

Hernandez explains how he plans to fight for Medicare, Medicaid, and the other recent potential government cut.

He says that without Medicaid he would've died as a teenager, and wouldn't have had his father for as long as he did.

"It's not something that I just talk about because it's a good policy I talk about it because it literally impacted my dad until he died in December, and my mom right now is a Medicare recipient," said Hernandez.

Hernandez shares how he plans to focus on an important topic here in Yuma, water for crops.

"I think we're in a really dire situation with our drought, so we need to do what we can to innovate, to conserve, and also make sure that we're providing the water needed to help grow those crops here in Southern Arizona," said Hernandez.

The special democratic primary will be held in July 15, 2025.