Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) passed away on Thursday after losing the battle to cancer, his office said in a statement. He was 77 years old.
Grijalva, who served in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, died due to “complications of his cancer treatments,” his office said.
His office highlighted his “kind and humble nature” while stating that he “cared deeply for and was proud of his staff.”
Serving in United States Congress for more than 20 years, Grijalva “pushed for new public parks, childcare centers, health care clinics, local businesses, and affordable housing,” his office said.
One of his top passions was preserving the planet, leading him to serve on the Natural Resources Committee.
“Together, we helped families get back on their feet and remained a source of help and hope when people had nowhere else to turn,” his office said. “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.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) responded to the news by posting on X: “A genuinely devastating loss. Raúl Grijalva stood as one of the biggest champions for working people in all of Congress.”
“His leadership was singular,” she continued. “He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment.”
Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) said: “I am heartbroken by the news of Congressman Raúl Grijalva’s passing.”
“For climate justice, economic justice, health justice—Raúl fought fearlessly for change,” he said. “We served a decade together on the Natural Resources Committee, and I will forever be grateful for his leadership and partnership.”
Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) added: “I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and former colleague, Rep. Raúl Grijalva.”
“We served together on the Natural Resources Committee, and though we often came from different perspectives, I always admired his dedication to public service and his love for our national parks and public lands,” Curtis added. “My prayers are with his family, loved ones, and all those mourning his loss.”
