WASHINGTON — Representative Raúl M. Grijalva, a Democrat from Arizona known for his strong advocacy for environmental protection and progressive ideals, passed away on Thursday after serving two decades in Congress championing important but often difficult causes.
Grijalva, aged 77, served 12 terms representing Southern Arizona and rose to become the chair of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, a position that allowed him to significantly influence national environmental policies. He was recognized for his unwavering support for immigrants and Native American tribes, as well as for the bolo tie he often wore both in his hometown of Tucson and in Washington, D.C.
According to a statement from his office, Grijalva’s death resulted from complications related to cancer treatment, which had kept him away from Congress in recent months.
His office stated, “His proudest achievements in Congress, from permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, were always rooted in community voices.”
The previous week, Representative Sylvester Turner, a Democrat from Texas, also passed away due to health complications.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries described Grijalva’s death as a significant loss for both Congress and the country.
Jeffries added, “Congressman Grijalva was a fierce advocate for his community, always prioritizing his constituents and the climate in his work.”
Dedicated to environmental causes
Grijalva, the son of a Mexican immigrant, was first elected to the House in 2002. As a prominent liberal leader, he headed the Congressional Progressive Caucus for ten years and dedicated much of his career to environmental issues.
He stepped down from his role as the leading Democrat on the Natural Resources committee earlier this year, having previously announced his plans to retire in 2026 instead of seeking reelection.
Nearly a year ago, Grijalva disclosed his cancer diagnosis but affirmed his ability to continue his work. Despite missing numerous House votes, he successfully ran for reelection in 2024 in Arizona’s reliably Democratic district.
The seat, representing a district spanning southern Arizona from Tucson to the Mexican border, will remain vacant until a special election is held later in the year to choose a replacement.
The Democratic primary in this predominantly Hispanic district is expected to be highly competitive, pitting Grijalva’s allies, who form a powerful progressive bloc in Southern Arizona, against a more moderate faction. Potential candidates include his daughter, Adelita Grijalva, a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, a long-time ally of Grijalva.
Viewed as a role model
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, who previously served in the House, described Congressman Grijalva as not only a colleague but also a friend.
Gallego added, “As a Latino in public service, I can attest that he inspired many young people throughout Arizona. He dedicated his life to advocating for equality.”
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, hailed Grijalva as “one of the most progressive members” of the House.
Sanders stated, “Raúl was a lifelong champion for working families. He will be deeply missed.”
Grijalva began his career as a community organizer in Tucson and served on the local school board before being elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors. He resigned from that position in 2002 to run for office in Arizona’s newly established 7th Congressional District.
Grijalva took pride in representing those he considered to be the underdogs, those without a voice.
His office described Grijalva as having a “kind and humble nature known to many. He was approachable because he believed in treating everyone as equals. He enjoyed giving gifts, playing music loudly in his office, and getting to know people for who they were.”
His work addressed a range of issues, from securing water resources for drought-stricken regions of Arizona and the West to obtaining funding for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which protects natural areas and offers recreational opportunities to the public.
He also played a crucial role in drafting the National Landscape Conservation System Act and the Federal Lands Restoration Act, both of which were passed and signed into law by President Barack Obama.
In recent years, he spearheaded efforts in Congress to establish a new national monument near the Grand Canyon to shield the area from uranium mining and acknowledge the repeated requests from Native American tribes to protect more of their ancestral lands.
He also opposed plans for the development of a major copper mine in southern Arizona.
Representative David Schweikert, a Republican from Arizona, noted on X (formerly Twitter) that Grijalva “was always very kind to me and had a great sense of humor. As a fellow animal lover, we often collaborated on animal protection issues.”
Representative Jesús G. “Chuy” Garcia of Illinois mentioned that Grijalva was fond of a line from the Spanish song “El Rey,” which translates to “it’s not only about getting there first but about how you get there.”
Garcia stated, “I believe this phrase perfectly encapsulates his tenacity in everything he pursued.”
—Associated Press writers Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed to this report.
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