Arizona Officials Pay Respects to Harry Mitchell

Arizona officials, including Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ), and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, are paying their respects following the passing of former Representative Harry Mitchell (D-AZ).

Harry Mitchell: A Life

Former Rep. Mitchell was confirmed to have passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 by his son, Mark.

"While our hearts are heavy, we want to focus on celebrating Harry's incomparable life of service to his family, his community and to the many lives he touched. He leaves behind an incredible legacy of love, laughter and treasured memories that will stay with us forever. We thank you for keeping our family in your prayers during this time," said Mark Mitchell on Facebook.

Harry previously served as a member of Tempe's City Council from 1970 to 1978 before a stint as mayor of East Valley from 1978 to 1994.

Mitchell then served in the Arizona State Senate from 1999 to 2006, with his political career culminating in two terms representing Arizona's Fifth Congressional District from 2006 to 2010, when he lost to Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ).

The Tempe Municipal Building on the city's Fifth Street was renamed the Harry E. Mitchell Government Complex in his honor following his tenure as mayor.

Arizona Officials Pay Tribute

"I join many of my fellow Arizonans today to mourn the passing of Harry Mitchell, who served our state for several decades in public office. Cindy and I will be praying for his loved ones left behind as they remember his life and example," wrote Rep. Biggs on X (formerly Twitter).

Rep. Stanton lauded Mitchell as a man who was "as Tempe as it gets," adding, "He gave decades of his life to the city he loved, serving on the Tempe City Council, as Mayor, and representing the area in the Arizona Senate. He worked to revitalize downtown Tempe, working hand in hand with ASU and local stakeholders, and played a key role in bringing Tempe Town Lake to life. His fingerprints are on nearly every corner of his hometown."

"Harry Mitchell devoted his life to serving the people of Arizona as a teacher, mayor of Tempe, state senator, and congressman. Arizona is grieving a genuine public servant today. My condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time," wrote Gov. Hobbs.

Finally, Secretary Fontes said Mitchell's life was "marked by dedicated service and a genuine commitment to the people of Arizona and the communities he served."

"Congressman Mitchell's contributions and legacy will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him, learning from, and working alongside him," Fontes concluded.

Cactus Politics extends its own condolences to Mitchell's family.