TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Arizona Representative Raul Grijalva has passed away.
News of his passing comes nearly a year after Grijalva announced he was battling cancer, but planned to continue working while undergoing treatment.
According to the biography on his congressional website, Grijalva started his political career as a community organizer in Tucson.
He served on the Tucson Unified School School District Governing Board and the Pima County Board of Supervisors, from which he resigned in 2002 to run for Congress in the Seventh District where he was in his 12th term.
Raul Grijalva was 77 years old.
A statement from his office reads as follows:
The Office of the 7th District of Arizona is saddened to announce the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva. Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle. He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments.
More than two decades ago, Rep. Grijalva embarked on a journey to be a voice for Southern Arizonans in Washington, D.C. Driven by his community values and spirit, he worked tirelessly and accomplished so much — for Arizona and for the country.
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. He led the charge for historic investments in climate action, port of entry modernization, permanent funding for land and water conservation programs, access to health care for tribal communities and the uninsured, fairness for immigrant families and Dreamers, student loan forgiveness, stronger protections for farmers and workers exposed to extreme heat, early childhood education expansion, higher standards for tribal consultation, and so much more. Some of these victories seemed out of reach when he first came to Congress, but with support from community, colleagues, allies, and staff, he helped make them real.
From Tucson to Nogales and beyond, he worked tirelessly for transformational improvements. Rep. Grijalva pushed for new public parks, childcare centers, health care clinics, local businesses, and affordable housing have breathed new life into neighborhoods across Southern Arizona. Improvements to our roads, bridges, and streetcar system have improved our daily lives and attracted new businesses and industries to the area.
Rep. Grijalva’s passion was not only for his community, but for preservation of the planet. When coming to Congress he was determined to serve on the Natural Resources Committee. He was steadfast in his commitment to produce lasting change through environmental policies — as he would say, “it’s for the babies.” He led the Natural Resources Committee without fear of repercussion, but with an urgency of the consequences of inaction. In doing so, Rep. Grijalva also had the privilege to stand with communities across the country — from the San Carlos Apache near Oak Flat to the residents of Louisiana’s Cancer Alley — where residents are bravely fighting for justice after decades of industry pollution and exploitation. Working side by side with former Congressman McEachin and environmental justice advocates across the country, Rep. Grijalva created a community driven approach to drafting The Environmental Justice for All Act, legislation that empowers people to stand up for and protect their communities. His strong belief was that no matter where you’re from, one truth unites us all: everyone deserves the freedom to live a healthy life, and every child deserves a safe and fair chance at their future.
Rep. Grijalva expressed his hope that the lessons we’ve discovered along the way will continue to move us forward, not backward. “We cannot back down from addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. We cannot leave the poor to fend for themselves against burgeoning corporate greed. We cannot allow our education, health care, and social security to be sold out so the rich can get richer. We must treat each other with dignity and respect, as neighbors, not enemies. We must preserve our irreplaceable natural heritage for every next generation. We must give every child the opportunity to succeed. And in times of great uncertainty, when we are looking for guidance, we must always remember that the will of the people is the greatest leader, not the leader who imposes his will.”
Rep. Grijalva’s kind and humble nature was known to many. He was approachable by all because he believed people should be treated as equals. He loved to give gifts, blare music in his office, and get to know people for who they are. The Congressman cared deeply for and was proud of his staff, the dedicated public servants who spent 22 years fighting alongside him for the people of Southern Arizona. Together, we helped families get back on their feet and remained a source of help and hope when people had nowhere else to turn. We are heartbroken in the face of this news but determined to carry on his legacy. While the special election is being carried out, our office will continue to provide constituent services.
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.”
With humility and profound gratitude,
The Staff of Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva
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