The MeidasTouch Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Adelita Grijalva on Protecting Arizona from Trump
Release Date: July 27, 2025
Host/Authors: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)

Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers host Adelita Grijalva, a rising Democratic candidate who recently secured the primary victory for Arizona's 7th Congressional District. The discussion centers around her campaign strategies, the impact of former President Donald Trump's policies on Arizona, and the broader implications for democracy and local communities.

Trump's Impact on Arizona

Political Commentator (01:41):
"We know that Donald Trump's approval is tanking nationally. The latest Gallup poll has Donald Trump's overall approval at 37%. Amongst independents, it's 29%. On issues like immigration, it's 38%. But he's also tanking in critical swing states that he won. If you look at Arizona, he's underwater there by about 12 points."

The host delves into how Trump's administration has negatively affected Arizona, highlighting specific instances such as the mishandling of the Dragon Bravo wildfires.

Adelita Grijalva's Perspective

Introduction of Adelita Grijalva (03:00):
"Adelita, it's great to see you here. You know, that's what the data is showing. What are you seeing in your district and abroad?"

Adelita Grijalva (05:00):
"One of the biggest concerns is CD7, which is the district that I'm hopefully going to represent in Congress, has the three ports of entry. And so we have a lot of communities that are border communities have been there really well established. And what this fight that Trump is picking with Mexico on an up and down basis, there's going to be tariffs, there's not going to be tariffs. What it's doing is it's having this really chilling effect on the neighboring businesses."

Key Discussion Points:

1. Border Communities and Tariffs:

   • Adelita Grijalva (05:45):
     "Because we don't know what's gonna happen. And it also because of these raids that are happening more and more frequently. People are not going out. Whether you are a citizen or not, nobody wants to be harassed like that."

2. Economic Impact:

   • Political Commentator (06:20):
     "You have Arizona now suing the Trump regime over education freezes, over healthcare freezes, over disaster prevention fund freezes and more. I mean, it's a complete and total disaster right now."

3. Community Safety and Business Dependency:

   • Adelita Grijalva (07:01):
     "One of the things that is really frustrating is that we are dependent on Mexico. A lot of the businesses on the United States side depend on people coming back and forth for commerce, for compras, they're buying things. And that's not happening anymore. So you'll see more and more businesses closing."

4. Campaign Strategy and Grassroots Engagement:

   • Political Commentator (09:24):
     "Your campaign was all about, here's what we're going to do for you. I hear you. And really talking about all specific issues."

   • Adelita Grijalva (10:17):
     "We focused very much on policy and how it impacts people directly... we did old fashioned like door knocking, talking to people, hit 39,000 doors, 320,000 phone calls, had 1400 volunteers in a special election."

5. Contrast with Trump's Approach:

   • Adelita Grijalva (13:24):
     "We're not relating to people... we really talked a lot about policy and how Trump's admin is hurting us when it comes to public education, comprehensive immigration reform. It's a serious all out assault on our democracy."

Insights and Conclusions

The episode underscores the stark contrast between Adelita Grijalva's community-focused, policy-driven campaign and Donald Trump's divisive, rhetoric-heavy approach. Grijalva emphasizes the importance of direct engagement, grassroots mobilization, and addressing tangible issues that affect everyday lives. Her campaign's success is attributed to authentic interactions with constituents, extensive door-to-door outreach, and a clear focus on policies that resonate with diverse demographics.

Adelita Grijalva (14:45):
"What we really need to do as a party is focus back on our working families, focus on the issues that make sense to people and make them make sense in the way that everyone understands."

Grijalva advocates for a return to "old-fashioned" campaigning centered on genuine conversations and policy solutions rather than abstract narratives or personality-driven politics. She highlights the critical nature of local elections and the role they play in shaping national policies and democracy.

Notable Quotes

• Political Commentator (01:41):
  "Donald Trump's approval is tanking nationally... in Arizona, he's underwater there by about 12 points."

• Adelita Grijalva (05:45):
  "We're having this really chilling effect on the neighboring businesses... people are not going out... nobody wants to be harassed like that."

• Political Commentator (09:24):
  "Your campaign was all about, here's what we're going to do for you. I hear you."

• Adelita Grijalva (10:17):
  "We hit 39,000 doors, 320,000 phone calls, had 1400 volunteers in a special election... it's the real conversations."

• Adelita Grijalva (14:45):
  "Focus back on our working families... make the issues make sense in the way that everyone understands."

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides an in-depth look into Adelita Grijalva's campaign against the backdrop of Trump's policies affecting Arizona. The discussion highlights the importance of community engagement, policy-focused campaigning, and the tangible impacts of federal decisions on local communities. Grijalva's insights offer a blueprint for effective political campaigning grounded in authenticity and direct action, emphasizing the need to prioritize the concerns and well-being of working families and local businesses.

For more information about Adelita Grijalva's campaign or to get involved, visit adelitaforcongress.com.