Arizona Democratic Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva died Thursday at age 77 due to complications from cancer treatments, his office said.
Since he announced a lung cancer diagnosis in April, Grijalva has spent little time in Washington while he sought treatment for the disease over many months, saying last fall that he believed he was mostly recovered.
He was a first-generation American and longtime progressive leader known for efforts to fight climate change, conserve natural areas, protect biodiversity and safeguard sacred sites and tribal lands.
A statement from Grijalva’s office highlighted his work on environmental issues and his accomplishments during his 10 years as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, which included four years as chairman.
“Rep. Grijalva’s passion was not only for his community, but for preservation of the planet. When coming to Congress he was determined to serve on the Natural Resources Committee,” the statement said. “He was steadfast in his commitment to produce lasting change through environmental policies — as he would say, ‘it’s for the babies.’”
These efforts included giving greater weight to environmental justice matters and permanently protecting lands near the Grand Canyon. While legislation on the latter never passed the Senate, in 2023 President Joe Biden used the Antiquities Act to establish the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.
Prior to entering Congress, Grijalva worked as a social worker and community activist, and served on the Tucson school board and Pima County Board of Supervisors.
He was first elected in 2002 to a district that includes his hometown of Tucson and much of Arizona’s border with Mexico. In 2014, he was elected ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee, leapfrogging more senior members in part due to his support from environmental groups. He became chairman in 2019 after the Democrats regained the majority.
Grijalva was also co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for 10 years until 2019.
Grijalva said last fall that the 2024 election would be his last, and said that it was “time for someone else and it’s time for somebody younger.” He had initially sought to hold his position of ranking member during his final term, but faced a challenge from Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., who had been filling in for Grijalva during his absence. Grijalva dropped out of that race in December.
Environmental groups and his colleagues celebrated his work on the environment, immigration and tribal rights.
“We mourn his passing today, but we celebrate the powerful legacy he built,” Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said in a statement. “May it serve as an inspiration for others who seek to preserve the public lands and waters we love.”
“He spent his life as a voice for equality,” Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said in a statement. “In Congress, I was proud to see firsthand his leadership as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee as he stood up for Arizona’s water rights, natural beauty, and Tribes.”
Known for his signature bolo-tie-sweater-vest combo, Grijalva had expressed concern that a loss of decorum in Congress and the loss of people’s faith in American institutions were among the biggest threats the country faces.
Grijalva’s 7th District is solidly blue and stretches along the U.S.-Mexico border. It includes parts of Tucson, Yuma and Nogales before reaching north to encompass several fast-growing Phoenix suburbs.
The seat could remain open for a while. Under Arizona law, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs will have to set a special primary election within 72 hours, but that primary may not be held until mid-July at the earliest. The law also requires the special general election to be held no less than 70 days following the primary, or September, in this case.
Among the potential Democratic contenders to succeed the late congressman are his daughter, Adelita Grijalva, who serves on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. Either would be the first Latina elected to Congress from Arizona.
Daniela Altimari and K. Sophie Will contributed to this report.
The post Progressive leader Grijalva dies while in cancer treatment appeared first on Roll Call.
