CD-7 Candidates Grijalva and Butierez Face Off for First Time in Packed Town Hall Hosted by Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs
TUCSON, AZ — In their first public appearance together since winning their respective primaries, Congressional District 7 candidates Adelita Grijalva (D) and Daniel Butierez (R) shared the stage at a packed and spirited community town hall hosted by the Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs (AZCAAA) on Saturday, July 26 at the historic Dunbar Pavilion in Tucson. More than 200 residents filled the venue to capacity, underscoring strong voter interest and civic engagement ahead of the upcoming special election. The event was widely covered by regional and statewide media.
Moderated by Jerry J. McPherson, Executive Director of AZCAAA, the forum gave voters a rare opportunity to hear directly from both candidates in a moderated, nonpartisan setting. The town hall was organized under the theme “The People’s Priorities,” reflecting a deep focus on the everyday issues affecting constituents across Southern Arizona.
Centering Community Priorities
The day began with a private meet-and-greet for community leaders and stakeholders, followed by a “People’s Priorities” panel featuring expert voices on key policy issues impacting residents across CD-7. Topics included Medicare, Medicaid, housing, education, and Social Security—each discussed through a local lens.
Panelists included:
- Brandie Jackson-Starks, Medicare and life insurance specialist
- Jason Thorpe, Deputy Director of Housing, Pima County
- Dr. Tonya Strozier, Principal, Holladay Magnet Elementary School & Director, African American Student Services, Tucson Unified School District & a Commissioner with AZCAAA
- Ken Kenegos, retired RN and healthcare advocate
The panel discussion helped lay the groundwork for the candidate forum by highlighting how federal policy decisions affect everyday life in Southern Arizona.
Following the panel, Grijalva and Butierez took the stage for a moderated candidate forum—their first head-to-head engagement of the general election. The conversation, facilitated by McPherson, included topics such as immigration, the economy, housing, education, healthcare, water access, and foreign policy. Audience-submitted questions and respectful but candid exchanges defined the tone of the afternoon.
The forum was widely recognized by the press as a significant milestone in the race for CD-7 , as it was the first ever head-to-head event between the two candidates, and offered a vital civic engagement opportunity for local voters.
“This wasn’t just about candidates—it was about the community,” said Jerry J. McPherson, Executive Director of AZCAAA. “When over 200 people show up to engage with those seeking to represent them in Congress, that tells us something powerful: people care deeply about their future, and they want their voices heard.”
The town hall is part of the Commission’s broader effort to increase civic access, elevate community concerns, and foster accountable public leadership across Arizona.
Important Election Dates
- Voter Registration Deadline: August 25, 2025
- Early Voting Begins: August 27, 2025
- Special General Election Day: September 23, 2025
About AZCAAA
The Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs advises the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies on policies affecting African-American communities across the state. Through strategic programming and statewide engagement, the Commission works to advance equity, amplify underrepresented voices, and ensure access to opportunity in all areas of public life.
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