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Rep. Adelita Grijalva takes office—ending the second-longest U.S. House vacancy of the 119th Congress
On Nov. 12, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) swore Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) into the U.S. House of Representatives, filling the vacancy in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Grijalva’s swearing-in brings the Republicans’ majority in the chamber to 219 to 214 with two vacancies.
The vacancy occurred because Grijalva’s father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), died on March 13. In the Sept. 23 special election to fill the vacancy, Grijalva defeated Daniel Butierez (R) 69% to 29%.
As of Nov. 13, two vacancies in Texas' 18th Congressional District and Tennessee's 7th Congressional District have not been filled.
At 244 days, the vacancy in Arizona's 7th Congressional District is the second-longest vacancy in the 119th Congress. The longest vacancy is in Texas' 18th Congressional District, which has been vacant since Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died on March 5. As of Nov. 13, the district had been vacant for 253 days.
Where could abortion be on the ballot in 2026?
In 2026, voters in seven states may decide on abortion-related ballot measures. Measures in Missouri and Nevada are certified to appear on the ballot on Nov. 3, 2026. There are five other potential measures in Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, and Virginia.
The measures in Missouri, Montana, and Nebraska are described as pro-life, while the measures in Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, and Virginia are described as pro-choice.
A look at which state legislatures are still in session and next year’s session dates
According to the latest update from the 2026 MultiState Insider Resource, 38 state legislatures are scheduled to begin their 2026 legislative sessions in January. Five are scheduled for February, one for March, and two are scheduled for April.
Forty-six state legislatures hold sessions every year. In four states—Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, and Texas—the legislature meets only in odd-numbered years.
Progressives maintain majority on Minneapolis City Council, but lose veto override power
On Nov. 4, all 13 seats on the Minneapolis City Council were up for election. While the Minneapolis municipal elections are officially nonpartisan, media outlets reported the council's progressive bloc maintained a seven-member majority but lost the ability to override Mayor Jacob Frey’s, a Democrat, vetoes. Nine votes are required to override a mayoral veto in Minneapolis.
All 13 city council races were contested. Nine of the 10 city council incumbents who ran for re-election won.