Grijalva to Step Down from Nautral Resources Post, Will Not Seek Reelection

Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) announced Monday that he was stepping down from his post as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. His incoming term in office will be his last, and he will not seek reelection in 2026 amid health concerns.

"After much thought, I have decided that it is the right moment to pass the torch as top Democrat on the House Natural Resource Committee for the 119th Congress. I do not make this decision lightly, as being elected Ranking Member stands as the honor of my professional career. I will continue to focus on improving my health, strengthening my mobility, and serving my district in what is likely to be a time of unprecedented challenge for our community," Rep. Grijalva said in a statement.

Rep. Grijalva had announced a cancer diagnosis in April, for which he has been receiving treatment, and said later in October that he will not seek reelection after 2024.

The Arizona Republic noted that the Congressman's decision to step down from his post on the Natural Resources Committee has effectively nullified Representative Jared Huffman's (D-CA) efforts to challenge Grijalva for the spot and avoid a succession battle ahead of the 119th Congress and the incoming Trump Administration.

According to the Hill, however, Grijalva has not endorsed Rep. Huffman as his successor.

Nevertheless, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) issued a statement commending Grijalva's career on Monday, saying, "Raúl Grijalva has spent his entire career fighting for historically underrepresented communities and the least, the lost and the left behind. For a decade, Rep. Grijalva served as Co-Chair of the Progressive Caucus, where he championed efforts to grow the middle class, expand access to high-quality health care, and fix our broken immigration system."

"As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Grijalva delivered historic investments in clean air and water, protected precious public lands, and strengthened tribal sovereignty. He also championed the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in combatting the climate crisis in our nation's history. We are thankful for Raúl's years of principled leadership on the Natural Resources Committee and look forward to our continued work together to protect America's natural treasures for generations to come," Rep. Jeffries added.