Southern Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva announced Monday that after finishing his current term, he’s stepping down as the Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee.
Having served in the House since 2003, Grijalva, who has been the committee’s top Democrat for nearly a decade, said in a statement the decision comes after a lot of reflection. In April, he publicized an unspecified cancer diagnosis.
On the committee, Grijalva has been known for championing Indigenous issues and environmental justice.
Like last year’s push for legislation to protect the 2,400-acre stretch of Tonto National Forest known as Oak Flat, which is sacred to the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
The Center for Biological Diversity’s Executive Director Kierán Suckling called Grijalva a fierce champion for natural heritage and praised his work as both chair and ranking member.
Grijalva said he’s grateful for and proud of the committee, emphasizing a commitment to serving the state’s 7th District despite stepping back from this position.
