Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Democratic lawmaker representing Arizona’s 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, passed away Thursday morning at the age of 77 due to complications from his cancer treatment. His office confirmed his passing in a statement, highlighting his decades of service and dedication to Southern Arizonans.
“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 for the country,” his staff wrote.
Grijalva was a longtime advocate for environmental protection, health care reform, and immigration rights. His office credited him with playing a key role in permanently protecting the Grand Canyon, strengthening the Affordable Care Act, and securing funding for land and water conservation programs. He also worked on expanding access to health care for tribal communities and the uninsured, supporting fairness for immigrant families and Dreamers, and advocating for student loan forgiveness.
In addition, Grijalva championed legislation to modernize ports of entry, protect workers from extreme heat, and improve early childhood education. His efforts in Congress were guided by what he described as a commitment to community voices and progressive policies.
Grijalva announced in April 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer after initially being treated for a persistent cough that was first believed to be pneumonia. His passing marks the end of more than 20 years of public service in Congress, where he became a respected voice for progressive causes.
