Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), who had been battling cancer, has passed away at the age of 77.
The long-serving Rep. Grijalva was diagnosed with cancer in April, and had been receiving treatment. In October, he announced he would not seek reelection, and stepped down from his post as Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee in December, endorsing Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) as his replacement.
Rep. Grijalva's official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a statement announcing the Arizona Congressman's passing.
A statement from the Office of Raúl M. Grijalva. pic.twitter.com/DJkWNfwHfn
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) March 13, 2025
"More than two decades ago, Rep. Grijalva embarked on a journey to be a voice for Southern Arizonans in Washington, DC. Driven by his community values and spirit, he worked tirelessly and accomplished so much— for Arizona and the country," the statement began, describing his legislative accomplishments including the Environmental Justice for All Act, which, while never advanced beyond introduction in the House, sought to reverse the disproportionate effects of pollution on Black, Latino, and indigenous communities in the United States.
One of the last pieces of legislation Grijalva sponsored was the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from arresting illegal aliens within 1,000 feet of "sensitive locations" such as medical or mental healthcare facilities, child care and early education sites, schools and universities, places where children gather, disaster and emergency response sites, domestic violence shelters, places of worship, courthouses, and public assistance offices.
"Serving Southern Arizona was the honor of Raul M. Grijalva's life. Having represented our communities for over 50 years was a privilege. We thank all of you for the trust, support, and the partnership that you gave to Rep. Grijalva over the years. We are especially grateful to Rep. Grijalva's family for their friendship and keeping it 'all about the love,'" the X statement concluded.
Grijalva is survived by his wife, Ramona, and three daughters.
