Grijalva was essentially the elder statesman of the Arizona delegation — a uniquely personable, pleasant man who made well with members of Congress on both sides of the aisles.
“Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle. He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments,” “More than two decades ago, Rep. Grijalva embarked on a journey to be a voice for Southern Arizonans in Washington, D.C.,” reads a statement written by the congressman’s staff. “Driven by his community values and spirit, he worked tirelessly and accomplished so much — for Arizona and for the country.”
The son of a migrant worker who was part of the Bracero program that brought more temporary laborers legally to the U.S., Grijalva became involved in politics in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a moment of political epiphany for Chicanos and Mexican-Americans. He became the Arizona leader of the Raza Unida Party, which was founded in 1970 and dissolved in 1978. After losing a 1972 school board race, he reshaped the passionate and militant radicalism that alienated him from some voters into a more agreeable, smoother style. He served in elected and public roles for decades, including on the Pima County Board of Supervisors from 1989 to 2002.
Grijalva was first elected to the House in 2002 and died as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee — a role he held since 2015. For four years, he was the committee’s chair. He was heavily involved in Democratic politics in D.C. and was known to many as a mentor for a generation of leaders. He was also the longest-serving co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, from 2009 to 2019.
Grijalva’s district has been redrawn since he began his time in Congress, but it currently spans much of Southern Arizona — Yuma in the West to Tucson in the East, down south to Bisbee and Douglas, then back up north to Tolleson and Avondale.
Here’s how Arizona politicians reacted to Grijalva’s death.
Gov. Katie Hobbs (Democrat)
Sen. Ruben Gallego (Democrat)I am devastated by the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva and my heart is with his family and loved ones. To his last day, he remained a servant leader who put everyday people first while in office. I join every Arizonan in mourning his passing. https://t.co/8jTSzdUXxZ
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) March 13, 2025
Sen. Mark Kelly (Democrat)Congressman Grijalva was not just my colleague, but my friend. As another Latino working in public service, I can say from experience that he served as a role model to many young people across the Grand Canyon State. He spent his life as a voice for equality.
— Senator Ruben Gallego (@SenRubenGallego) March 13, 2025
I am praying for…
Rep. Yassamin Ansari (Democrat)Just wrapped a prearranged interview with Kyrsten Sinema and had the surreal experience of breaking the news to her that Raul Grijalva had died. She was stunned and said she was not ready to talk about it and needed time to process it.
— Morgan Fischer (@morgfisch) March 13, 2025
Rep. Greg Stanton (Democrat)I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my colleague Raul Grijalva. He was a fighter for Arizonans and a champion for Indigenous communities and our planet. We will all miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family, friends, loved ones, and constituents.
— Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) March 13, 2025
Rep. Andy Biggs (Republican)Heartbroken by the passing of my friend and colleague Raúl Grijalva. pic.twitter.com/bsc7VAjnFI
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) March 13, 2025
Rep. David Schweikert (Republican)Arizona lost a friend today.
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) March 13, 2025
Congressman Raúl Grijalva was a dedicated public servant who served his constituents well.
Cindy and I are thinking of Raúl’s loved ones and praying for peace and comfort for this time.
Rep. Abe Hamadeh (Republican)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…
Rep. Eli Crane (Republican)Our thoughts are with the family of @RepRaulGrijalva.
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) March 13, 2025
He was a man who left an indelible mark on Southern Arizona.
May his memory be a blessing.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (Republican)Rest in peace, sir. https://t.co/i6VUSy6XUN
— Rep. Eli Crane (@RepEliCrane) March 13, 2025
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (Democrat)Arizonans today lost a dedicated public servant. Raul was a fearless champion of the causes he believed in and he never forgot where he came from. While we often disagreed about public policy, he welcomed me into our congressional delegation warmly and always treated me with…
— Congressman Juan Ciscomani (@RepCiscomani) March 13, 2025
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego (Democrat)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
Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Independent)I'm saddened by @RepRaulGrijalva's passing. He was a fierce advocate for his constituents, a defender of our natural resources, and a champion for climate action. His passing leaves a void in Arizona and beyond. My condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/Y0Ju5TJuDo
— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) March 13, 2025
Former Rep. Gabby Giffords (Democrat)Today, Arizona lost a champion.
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) March 13, 2025
Raul Grijalva served Southern Arizona for decades. He fought for the rights and well-being of all Arizonans, especially those who needed a hand. He led the charge to protect our environment and the Grand Canyon for future generations. And he was… https://t.co/CqDyKUAxTD
Mark and I were devastated to learn that our longtime friend Raul Grijalva passed away. Raul was also a mentor to me, when I was first elected to Congress, Raul showed me the ropes. Throughout the years, and after I was shot, his friendship and wisdom were a constant source of…
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) March 13, 2025
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (Democrat)
Rest in peace, Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Your tireless dedication and unwavering advocacy for Southern Arizona leaves behind an enduring legacy for generations to come. https://t.co/u5FwfkRDNQ
— Arizona Secretary of State (@AZSecretary) March 13, 2025
