TUCSON, Ariz. (Diya TV) — Rep. Raúl Grijalva, a longtime Democratic congressman from Arizona and a leading progressive voice in the House, died Thursday due to complications from cancer treatments, his office announced. He was 77.
Grijalva, who had represented southern Arizona since 2002, was known for his unwavering commitment to environmental protection, progressive policies, and advocacy for marginalized communities. His death marks the second loss for House Democrats this month, following the passing of Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner.
Grijalva’s political career spanned more than two decades, during which he served as chair and ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee and co-chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus from 2009 to 2019. His colleagues often praised his fearless leadership in environmental policy. His office noted that he was particularly dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future, saying, “It’s for the babies.”
His legislative achievements included securing protections for the Grand Canyon, expanding healthcare access for tribal communities, and championing climate change initiatives. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Grijalva a “progressive warrior who always fought for the least, the lost, and the left behind.”
Born on the historic Canoa Ranch south of Tucson, Grijalva was the son of a Mexican immigrant who arrived in the U.S. through the Bracero labor program. He began his public service career as a community organizer before serving on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board and the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
Grijalva’s congressional district, spanning from Tucson to the U.S.-Mexico border, remained a Democratic stronghold throughout his tenure. He easily won reelection in November, defeating his GOP opponent by over 25 percentage points.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is expected to call a special election to fill the vacant seat, with early speculation pointing to a potential bid from his daughter, Adelita Grijalva, a Pima County Supervisor, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
Grijalva revealed his cancer diagnosis in April 2024, describing it as “difficult to process.” Despite undergoing rigorous treatment, he remained dedicated to his work. However, his declining health led to his absence from the Capitol in recent months. He was last seen in Washington on Jan. 3, the opening day of the new Congress, where he appeared in a wheelchair and had lost significant weight.
Rather than contesting for the top Democratic position on the Natural Resources Committee again, he stepped aside and endorsed Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, though Rep. Jared Huffman of California ultimately won the seat.
Colleagues across the political spectrum mourned his passing. Rep. Greg Casar, the current chair of the Progressive Caucus, called him “a champion of the environment and environmental justice” and a mentor to young Latino politicians. Sen. Bernie Sanders praised him as “one of the most progressive members” of the House, while Republican Rep. David Schweikert noted that Grijalva had “a great sense of humor” and that they worked together on animal protection issues.
Grijalva’s office described him as a leader who believed in treating people as equals. “He loved to give gifts, blare music in his office, and get to know people for who they are,” the statement read.
During his tenure, Grijalva focused on land conservation, securing water resources for drought-stricken areas, and pushing for the creation of new national monuments. One of his last major efforts was advocating for a monument near the Grand Canyon to protect Native American ancestral lands from uranium mining.
His contributions extended beyond policy. He was a role model for Latino leaders and a strong advocate for working families. His legacy, his colleagues said, will be felt for generations.
As the House and Arizona communities mourn his passing, tributes continue to pour in for the man who dedicated his life to progressive causes, environmental justice, and the fight for equity.
