Congressman Raúl Grijalva dies at 77, leaving a two-decade legacy in Arizona’s Congress

Democratic Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, who represented Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 20 years, passed away at the age of 77 on March 13, 2025, due to complications from cancer treatment. With a career spanning half a century in public service, Grijalva was a towering figure in the Capitol, renowned for his unwavering advocacy for environmental and progressive causes. He served Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, a sprawling border region encompassing cities like Tucson and Yuma, leaving a lasting impact both locally and nationally. His office confirmed his death in an official statement, underscoring his courageous battle against the illness that struck him in recent months.

Born in Tucson to a Mexican immigrant father, Grijalva built a legacy rooted in his commitment to underserved communities and social justice. Before his election to Congress in 2002, he worked as a community organizer, chaired the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board for six years, and spent over a decade on the Pima County Board of Supervisors. His tenure in Congress was defined by bold stances, including his leadership of the House Natural Resources Committee, where he championed environmental policies and wilderness protection, and his role as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus from 2009 to 2019.

Grijalva’s death comes at a critical juncture for House Democrats, with Republicans holding a slim majority of 218 seats to the Democrats’ 213 following his passing. He is the second Democratic congressman to die in office this month, following Texas Representative Sylvester Turner, who passed away on March 5. As Arizona mourns the loss of one of its longest-serving representatives, Governor Katie Hobbs is expected to call a special election soon to fill the vacancy, in a district long considered a Democratic stronghold.

A life devoted to public service

Raúl Grijalva’s journey in public service began on the streets of Tucson, where he was born and raised. The son of a Mexican laborer who crossed the border seeking better opportunities, he carried the spirit of his Latino community throughout his career. In the 1970s, as a young activist, he spearheaded efforts to convert a public golf course into a community park in a Latino neighborhood of Tucson. The success of that campaign, despite initial pushback, shaped his belief that grassroots mobilization could drive meaningful change—a principle that guided him from local activism to the halls of Congress.

Over his 12 terms in the House, Grijalva established himself as a steadfast progressive voice. Elected in 2002, he took on the representation of Arizona’s newly formed 7th Congressional District, a region stretching from Phoenix suburbs to the Mexican border. His work on the Natural Resources Committee, which he chaired in recent years, prioritized safeguarding the Grand Canyon from uranium mining, modernizing Arizona’s ports of entry, and advocating for Indigenous communities’ rights. He also played a key role in shaping environmental justice legislation, consistently stressing the importance of securing a healthy future for generations to come.

Grijalva’s influence reached beyond environmental issues into the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, where he was a respected senior member. His often defiant stance thrust him into the national spotlight, such as in 2010, when he called for a boycott of Arizona over the controversial SB 1070 immigration law. Though divisive, the move underscored his willingness to challenge policies he deemed unjust, even in the face of significant opposition within his home state.

The toll of illness and final days

Diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2024 after seeking treatment for a persistent cough, Grijalva tackled the disease with the same resolve that defined his political career. In a statement at the time, he expressed confidence in the treatment plan devised by his medical team and vowed to continue serving while fighting the illness. However, the past year took a visible toll, with the congressman losing significant weight and relying on a wheelchair during his last appearance at the Capitol on January 3, 2025, when he was sworn in for another term.

In recent months, Grijalva missed most House votes, a sign of his worsening condition. In July 2024, he announced the completion of a treatment phase but said he needed time to regain strength before returning to Washington. Despite his absence, his staff remained active, submitting funding requests for southern Arizona projects and maintaining constituent services. His death, attributed to treatment complications, was confirmed on the morning of March 13, as House Democrats gathered for their annual political retreat in Virginia.

Grijalva’s battle with cancer did not diminish his legacy. Even in his final moments, he remained an inspiration to colleagues and constituents alike, as noted by Representative Greg Casar, chair of the Progressive Caucus, who called him a mentor and friend. Casar highlighted Grijalva’s significance as a rare Latino progressive with national prominence, a figure who paved the way for new generations in American politics.

Milestones in Raúl Grijalva’s career

Grijalva’s career is dotted with defining moments that shaped his political identity and influence in Arizona and beyond. Starting as a community organizer in Tucson, he pushed for better living conditions in overlooked neighborhoods. His election to the school board in the 1970s marked his formal entry into public office, leading to 15 years as a Pima County supervisor—two as chair—before stepping down in 2002 to run for Congress.

In Washington, Grijalva made his mark across multiple fronts. Here are some key highlights of his tenure:

• Environmental protection: Led efforts to safeguard wilderness areas and endangered species, notably banning uranium mining near the Grand Canyon.
• Healthcare access: Worked to bolster the Affordable Care Act, expanding coverage for low-income communities.
• Social justice: Advocated against discriminatory policies like SB 1070 and championed workers’ and minority rights.
• Infrastructure: Pushed for upgrades to Arizona’s border ports of entry, boosting trade and security.

These achievements reflect his core belief that government should prioritize the vulnerable, a vision he carried from his early days as an organizer to his final years in Congress.

Reactions from colleagues and leaders

News of Grijalva’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes from politicians and leaders in Arizona and across the nation. Senator Ruben Gallego, also from Arizona, remembered him as a role model for young Latinos in public service, praising his dedication to equality. Governor Katie Hobbs expressed devastation at the loss, lauding Grijalva as a tireless advocate for the state’s underserved communities and a fighter for justice.

In Washington, fellow Democrats mourned the departure of a towering figure. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called his death a devastating blow, emphasizing his singular leadership on behalf of workers. Representative Lori Trahan, who served with him on the Natural Resources Committee, highlighted his strength, passion, and kindness—qualities she said would never be forgotten. The responses reflect the deep respect Grijalva earned over decades of hard work and commitment to his causes.

Timeline of Grijalva’s life and career

Raúl Grijalva’s journey can be traced through key dates and events that illustrate his rise from local activist to national leader:

• 1948: Born in Tucson, Arizona, to a Mexican immigrant father.
• 1970s: Works as a community organizer, leading the creation of a park in a Latino neighborhood.
• 1974-1986: Chairs the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board for six years.
• 1988-2002: Serves on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, leading as chair for two years.
• 2002: Elected to Congress, representing Arizona’s 7th District.
• 2009-2019: Co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
• April 2024: Diagnosed with lung cancer.
• March 13, 2025: Dies at 77 from treatment complications.

This timeline showcases how Grijalva turned his humble roots into a career of lasting impact, both in Arizona and on the national stage.

Environmental and political legacy in focus

With over two decades in Congress, Grijalva was a chief architect of U.S. environmental policy. His leadership on the Natural Resources Committee positioned him at the forefront of debates on climate change, natural resource conservation, and Indigenous rights. He pushed for stricter regulations on the oil and gas industry and was among the first to warn of the consequences of climate inaction, shaping legislation that remains a benchmark for environmental reform.

Grijalva also stood as a symbol of progressive resistance in a state often split between conservative and liberal forces. His 2010 boycott call, though controversial, showcased his readiness to confront powerful interests for his principles. In Arizona, he is credited with securing federal funds for new parks, childcare centers, health clinics, and affordable housing, revitalizing communities throughout his tenure.

The district he represented, with its strong Latino and rural presence, embodies the values Grijalva championed: equality, access, and sustainability. His departure leaves a void, but also a blueprint for using politics to transform lives, particularly in overlooked regions.

What’s next for the 7th District

Following Grijalva’s death, attention turns to the political future of Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Governor Katie Hobbs, per state law, is expected to announce a special election date soon to fill the vacancy. Given the district’s deep Democratic leanings—covering areas like Tucson, Yuma, and Nogales—the party is likely to retain the seat with ease.

In the interim, Grijalva’s office stated it will continue providing constituent services until a new representative is elected. His staff, who worked alongside him for 22 years, vowed to uphold his legacy by advancing the infrastructure and funding projects he initiated. The transition will be closely watched, especially as the House operates with a razor-thin partisan divide.

The special election could also pave the way for a new generation of Democratic leaders in Arizona, many of whom were inspired by Grijalva. His influence, as both a politician and a symbol of resilience, is poised to shape the state’s political landscape for years to come.

Tributes and memories of a leader

Within hours of his death being announced, social media and Capitol Hill were flooded with tributes to Raúl Grijalva. Tucson community leaders recalled his accessibility and love for loud music in his office, traits that made him a beloved, down-to-earth figure. Politicians like Jared Huffman, who vied with him for the top Natural Resources Committee spot, praised his generosity in supporting colleagues, even amid competition.

In Arizona, sorrow mingles with pride over Grijalva’s legacy. Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, one of his three daughters, continues her father’s work in local politics, carrying forward his influence. He is also survived by his wife, Ramona, and daughters Raquel and Marisa, as well as a community that saw him as a relentless advocate for their interests.

Grijalva will be remembered not just for the policies he advanced, but for how he lived: with humility, determination, and an unshakable commitment to those he served. His death marks the end of an era, but his impact endures in the policies and people he touched across half a century of service.