TUCSON, Ariz. — Representative Raúl Manuel Grijalva, a stalwart of progressive politics and environmental advocacy, passed away on March 13, at the age of 77, due to complications from lung cancer treatment.
Grijalva’s passing makes him the second House member to die since the new Congress convened in January. He had missed every vote since the start of his 12th term on Jan. 3.
The Arizona Democrat is survived by his wife, Ramona, and three daughters.
“Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle,” his office stated.
“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,” the statement continued.
“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.”
A statement from the Office of Raúl M. Grijalva. pic.twitter.com/DJkWNfwHfn
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) March 13, 2025
In response to the announcement, a wave of condolences poured in from both sides of the aisle:
A genuinely devastating loss.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 13, 2025
Raúl Grijalva stood as one of the biggest champions for working people in all of Congress.
His leadership was singular. He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment. https://t.co/C1TW6G9xN5
Sydney and I are saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Rep. Raúl Grijalva.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) March 13, 2025
He was a champion for those in need and dedicated his life to fighting for all Arizonans. He will be missed.
The Congressman was always very kind to me— he had a great sense of humor.
— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) March 13, 2025
As a fellow animal lover, we often found ourselves working together on animal protection issues.
To his daughters Adelita, Raquel, and Marisa, and his wife, Ramona, I send my deepest condolences. May…
AZ lost a giant today. Congressman Raul Grijalva dedicated his life to fighting for the people of Arizona. From standing up for working families, Indigenous communities, and clean air and water — Raul leaves a legacy that is unmatched. I am thinking of his family and loved ones.
— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) March 13, 2025
Born on Feb. 19, 1948, in Tucson, Arizona, Grijalva was the son of a Mexican immigrant who arrived in the United States through the Bracero program. He began his public service career on the Tucson Unified School District board from 1974 to 1986, later serving on the Pima County Board of Supervisors from 1989 to 2002.
Elected to Congress in 2002, Grijalva represented Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, later serving the 3rd District after redistricting and returning to the 7th in 2023. During his tenure, he chaired the House Natural Resources Committee and co-chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus, championing environmental conservation, immigrant rights and Native American issues.
Grijalva’s dedication to environmental justice was exemplified by his co-authorship of the “Environmental Justice for All Act,” addressing environmental racism and advocating for marginalized communities.
In April 2024, Grijalva was diagnosed with lung cancer, leading to a reduced presence in Congress during treatment.
His passing leaves a significant void in Arizona’s political landscape. A special election will be held to fill his seat, with potential candidates including his daughter, Adelita Grijalva, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
Curious about who might step into the shoes left by Grijalva? The Arizona Republic has additional details on potential candidates:
Some observers are expecting a member of the politically connected Hernandez family to run for Grijalva’s seat.
Members of the Hernandez family have occasionally clashed with the late congressman and his allies.
Before Grijalva’s death, State Rep. Alma Hernandez, D-Tucson, publicly criticized his decision to stay in office as his cancer treatment kept him away from Capitol Hill. She and her siblings, Consuelo and Daniel, all have political resumes serving in Arizona’s legislature.
Reached for comment, Daniel Hernandez didn’t directly answer a question about a possible candidacy. But expressed sympathy for the Grijalva family, referencing his own father’s death late last year.
“Losing a father is an indescribable pain — one that I unfortunately had to experience recently,” he wrote. “My heart goes out to the entire Grijalva family as they navigate through this tremendous loss. I hope they find comfort in the legacy and decades-long commitment to public service that the Congressman leaves behind. His unwavering dedication to Southern Arizona leaves an enduring mark on our community.”
Regardless of who chooses to enter the fray, the next representative for this deep-blue district will likely be decided in the Democratic primary.
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The fewer “champions for working people” in Congress, the more working people in America,
I’ve known Raul longer than most people. He, Paul Eckerstrom, and I were like a “big three” in working on issues long before he was a Congressman. He was a very real person and never wavered from his concepts and thoughts. He always made himself available for everyone, and I am proud to have known him. We were very far apart in many of our political stances, but we were both on the same track about the importance of protecting the environment above all, and he was always my environmental ally. He made a difference in his public service, and it was an honor to have been his friend.