Grijalva wins sixth term in Congress

By Sarah Pringle

Cronkite News

Service projects that Democrat Raúl Grijalva has defeated Republican Gabriela Saucedo Mercer in the 3rd Congressional District.

Grijalva has represented a broad section of southwestern Arizona for five terms. The redrawn district includes most areas he currently represents in the 7th Congressional District.

In weeks leading up to the election, Grijalva campaigned in favor of Arizona’s Proposition 204, which sought a 1 cent-per-dollar sales tax to support education, transportation and human services.

Mercer, a Mexican immigrant, has never held elected office.

In 2010, as Republicans regained control of the U.S. House, Grijalva was nearly unseated by a tea party-backed candidate.

The 3rd Congressional District stretches from western and southern portion of Tucson to Yuma and includes a portion of the West Valley.