On Tuesday, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), the former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and leading Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, shared that he is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
According to The Washington Times, 76-year-old Grijalva revealed that he had sought medical treatment a few weeks ago for a persistent cough.
Initially diagnosed as pneumonia, further testing revealed the Arizona Democrat had cancer.
Grijalva has chosen to keep the details of his diagnosis private. He clarified that he will continue working, and his office will remain fully operational to ensure constituent services.
“This diagnosis has been difficult to process, but I am confident in the vigorous course of treatment that my medical team has developed, and I've begun my journey to fight this cancer,” Grijalva said.
“I am working hard to get healthy and return to business as usual as soon as I am able,” he added. (RELATED: Democrats Push Permanent DACA Solution)
The congressman's office is not providing any additional information at this time:
Ruben Reyes, who works for Grijalva as his Southern Arizona district director, said he didn't think the cancer treatment will affect the congressman's ability to do his job.
The district Grijalva represents spans most of the Arizona-Mexico border and includes sections of Cochise, Maricopa, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties.
Grijalva, the longest-serving member of Arizona's congressional delegation, has no plans to resign. First elected in 2002, he intends to continue his campaign for a 12th term.
“I am grateful to my family, friends and doctors for their support, and I am working hard to get healthy and return to business as usual as soon as I am able,” Grijalva's statement concluded. “I appreciate your consideration, well wishes and respect for my family's privacy during this time. My heart goes out to others struggling with cancer, and I wish everyone strength in their fight.”
The revelation came the day after the deadline for candidates to file the paperwork to qualify for Arizona's primary ballot.
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