12 times lawmakers were replaced by their relatives in Congress

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Monday, August 03, 2026

U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., attends her ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Nov. 12, 2025. After weeks of delay, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election to fill the seat vacated after her father, Raul Grijalva, died, is sworn in to the House of Representatives. | SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

12. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz.

Rep. Adelita Grijalva is the most recent example. After her father, Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., died in 2025 due to complications from cancer treatment.

Adelita Grijalva won a special election to replace him later that year. She continues to represent Arizona's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is now seeking a full term.

Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com

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