Gov. Katie Hobbs announces election dates to select replacement for late Rep. Raúl Grijalva

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced plans for finding a Congressional replacement for the late Rep. Raul Grijalva on Friday.

The 77-year-old Democrat died after a long battle with cancer on Thursday morning. He represented Arizona’s Congressional district 7, which spanned across southern Arizona, from Tucson to the border with Mexico.

Per state law, Arizona’s governor must call for a special primary election within 72 hours of the passing of a U.S. representative if there isn’t a general election scheduled in the next six months.

The special primary election Hobbs announced will take place on July 15.

It will be followed by a special general election on Sept. 23.

Her announcement came after a social media post saying she was devastated by Grijalva’s death.

“To his last day, he remained a servant leader who put everyday people first while in office,” Hobbs said on social media. “I join every Arizonan in mourning his passing.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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