Senate Advances Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”

This week, the US Senate decided to proceed with Trump’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill,” which is now heading back home for further discussion.

However, there seems to be a notable absence in the debate regarding Congressional District 7, which covers parts of Yuma County, such as Summerton and San Luis. We caught up with Daniel Hernandez, one of the five Democrats competing in Yuma, earlier this week.

Hernandez met with Yuma City Council Member Karen Watts, who is also a family nurse. They expressed concerns that many residents in Yuma County might lose their connection to Arizona’s healthcare cost containment system, which manages Medicaid in the state.

“In areas like Yuma… within CD7, it could mean reduced access to primary care options,” Hernandez shared with KAWC. “More critically, it risks leaving individuals without hospital access, and without support, they could face life-threatening situations due to a lack of necessary medical care.”

Last month, Hernandez’s campaign gained significant attention when footage emerged from a political rally in Bisbee. He participated in the event alongside fellow Democratic candidates Adelita Grialva and Deja Fox.

During the rally’s afterparty, an unnamed woman posed a question regarding Palestine to Hernandez. According to the Arizona Daily Star, this incident unfolded following the Bisbee Pride Parade on June 14th.

Hernandez’s sisters, who serve as state representatives, engaged in a discussion with the woman, while Daniel was seen attempting to block the camera.

In a statement, Hernandez remarked, “This incident was unfortunate and occurred during a highly emotional moment for my family. Just two days after a campaign staff member’s car was shot outside our home, we are still grappling with the recent tragedy involving lawmakers in Minnesota. I urge everyone to remain safe.”

The key election is set for July 15th, filling a seat previously held by the late Congressman Raul Grijalva.

Hernandez, Grialva, Fox, Jose Malvid, and Patrick Harris are the five Democrats in the race.

“The selection of new congressional members presents a unique opportunity for the public after over 20 years,” Hernandez noted. “We’re traveling throughout the district to ensure that people feel seen and heard.”

Three Republicans are also in the running: Daniel Butierrez, Jimmy Rodriguez, and Jorge Rivas.

Stay tuned for more updates and local news from Yuma and La Paz counties.