Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a more than two-decade veteran of the House who rose to high levels of power in the Democratic Caucus, died on Thursday. He was 77.
A fixture of progressive politics in Washington, Grijalva was a well-known figure in Congress, recognized nationally for his appearances in committee rooms and on cable television spots, and locally for more informal interactions on Capitol Hill. He served as Natural Resources Committee chair and co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
“The Office of the 7th District of Arizona is saddened to announce the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva. Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle. He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments,” the statement reads.
The Arizona Democrat was the longest-serving member of Arizona’s congressional delegation, having been first sworn in 2003. He was re-elected to serve a 12th term in November, but had been absent for the opening weeks of the new Congress as he fought lung cancer.
Grijalva announced his cancer diagnosis in April 2024, revealing a few months later in July that he completed treatment. In October, he said the 2024 election, which he won handedly, would be his last.
Grijalva’s last public appearance in the Capitol was on Jan. 3, when lawmakers convened to formally begin the 119th Congress and elect a Speaker.
Grijalva’s open seat will have immediate ramifications in the House. With this vacancy, the new breakdown in the lower chamber is 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats, meaning the GOP can lose two votes on any party-line effort and still get it over the finish line, giving Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) more wiggle room in his razor-thin majority.
Grijalva is the second House Democrat to pass away in this month. Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died last week.
Grijalva, the longtime Democratic leader on the House Natural Resources Committee, was a forceful fighter against many Trump-era efforts to ease environmental regulations.
He was also a powerful voice for environmental justice — highlighting the harms that disproportionately fell on lower income people of color.
“He was steadfast in his commitment to produce lasting change through environmental policies — as he would say, ‘it’s for the babies.’ He led the Natural Resources Committee without fear of repercussion, but with an urgency of the consequences of inaction,” his staff said in a statement.
“In doing so, Rep. Grijalva also had the privilege to stand with communities across the country — from the San Carlos Apache near Oak Flat to the residents of Louisiana’s Cancer Alley — where residents are bravely fighting for justice after decades of industry pollution and exploitation,” they added.
Grijalva was pushed aside from committee leadership in the wake of his cancer treatments, however, as other lawmakers complained he was unable to attend meetings and was infrequently spotted on the Hill after his diagnosis.
Grijalva was a regular at a Capitol Hill dive bar, Tune Inn, and was often spotted there after votes, eager to chat and joke with reporters, staff and lawmakers alike.
Grijalva’s staff stressed his openness to all.
“Rep. Grijalva’s kind and humble nature was known to many. He was approachable by all because he believed people should be treated as equals. He loved to give gifts, blare music in his office, and get to know people for who they are.”
Updated at 6:11 p.m.
