Democratic U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona, who championed environmental protection during his 12 terms in Congress, died Thursday from complications from cancer treatments, his office said.
Grijalva, who was 77, had risen to chair the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee and was the top Democrat on the committee until earlier this year. He had been absent from Congress as he underwent cancer treatment in recent months.
Grijalva’s office said in a statement, “From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices.”
A statement from the Office of Raúl M. Grijalva concluded with, "Serving Southern Arizona was the honor of Raúl M. Grijalva's life. Having represented our communities for over 50 years was a privilege. We thank all of you for the trust, support, and the partnership that you gave to Rep. Grijalva over the years. We are especially grateful to Rep. Grijalva's family for their friendship and keeping it “all about the love.”
In the coming days, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs will call for a special election to replace Grijalva and serve out the remainder of his two-year term.
Arizona leaders react
Rep. Yassamin Ansari:
“I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my colleague Raúl Grijalva. He was a fighter for Arizonans and a champion for Indigenous communities and our planet. We will all miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family, friends, loved ones, and constituents.”
Kate Gallego, Phoenix's mayor:
My deepest condolences to the Grijalva family during this difficult time,” Gallego said. “Representative Grijalva was a dedicated public servant who served his community and country for decades. He fought hard for fair immigration policies and to tackle the climate crisis our generation is facing. His passing leaves a huge void in Southern Arizona and beyond.”
Sen. Ruben Gallego:
“Congressman Grijalva was not just my colleague, but my friend. As another Latino working in public service, I can say from experience that he served as a role model to many young people across the Grand Canyon State. He spent his life as a voice for equality. In Congress, I was proud to see firsthand his leadership as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee as he stood up for Arizona’s water rights, natural beauty, and Tribes. I am praying for his family during this time of grief, and I hope that they find comfort knowing his legacy is one that will stand tall for generations.”
Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia:
"Arizona educators lost a true champion and ally today. Congressman Grijalva has been committed to progressive change and a fighter for public school educators his entire career. From his first elected position on Tucson United School Board to his role on the U.S. Committee on Education & the Workforce, Congressman Grijalva has advocated and fought on behalf of better, safer schools for our students, and better pay and support for our educators. I'm saddened by today's news, and I send all the love and support to Congressman Grijalva's family. I'm proud to say I was a friend of Raúl."
Pima County's official statement:
"A giant of our community has passed from our midst. Pima County is grieving at the sad news that U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva has died. Since he was a young man in his 20s to the day he passed, he worked in service to the people of Pima County, Southern Arizona, and the nation. Raúl spent more than 50 years as the people’s elected representative for Tucson Unified School District, Pima County, and the United States Congress. His legacy and his accomplishments will last for ages. We in Pima County offer our deepest sympathies to the Grijalva family and the innumerable people throughout Arizona and the country who called him friend. Rest in peace, you wonderful man."
Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton:
Grijalva was the “dean of the Democratic delegation” and leaves a legacy much greater than his political accomplishments. Arizona and the country is going to be a much better place for decades to come because of his greatest legacy and that is the young people that he personally mentored."
Kierán Suckling, executive director and founder of the Center for Biological Diversity:
“Raúl’s death is a heartbreaking, devastating loss for the people of southern Arizona and everyone around this nation who loves the natural world,” said Kierán Suckling, executive director and founder of the Center for Biological Diversity. “Raúl was a great friend and partner in our fight for clean air and water, our beautiful public lands, and wildlife great and small. We can all look to him as the model of what every member of Congress and every person of dignity and hope should aspire to be.”
