U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva returned to Somerton last weekend for the annual celebration of tamales in Yuma County, the Somerton Tamale Festival.
Congresswoman Grijalva served as a judge among samplings from each of the vendors on Dec. 20. She also walked around the festival, meeting with supporters.
Grijalva's visit was on a busy day for dignitaries in Somerton: U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs were also in attendance.
"That shows it's important to be here," Grijalva told KAWC. "You all have created an event that is THE event to be at."
Grijalva's visit came two days after Yuma Democrats told reporters that Arizona Republicans' support of Trump tariffs is raising costs, especillay during the holiday season. Grijalva said she and her colleagues are doing as much as they can but it is a challenge as Republicans control Congress.
"Some Republicans are willing to work with Democrats on some issues. The economy doesn't seem to be one of them yet," she said. "What I'm hoping for is that, as this administration continues to decimate our economy, that we have Republicans who are willing to step up with Democrats with solid solutions to help the American people."
Grijalva has been a critic of Republicans' efforts to delay the release of the Epstein files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She said the recent release of some files that are heavily redacted is not enough.
"What the DOJ (Department of Justice) came out with was a joke," Grijalva said. "They should all be available to the American people."
Congresswoman Grijalva wished Arizonans a Happy Holidays.
"I hope all of you have an opporunity to spend time with your loved ones," she said.
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Stay tuned to KAWC for more from Congresswoman Grijalva's visit to Somerton.
