Yesterday (March 13, 2025,) after a long battle with cancer, Arizona Congressional Representative Raul Grijalva passed away.
Since the announcement of the representative’s passing, tributes from leading Arizona Democrats and Progressive Activist groups have been flooding in.
Below are some of them:
Governor Katie Hobbs:
“I am devastated by the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva and my heart is with his family and loved ones. He was a true champion for the people of our state. For over two decades, he was a fierce advocate for his constituents and a fighter to uplift Arizona’s most vulnerable communities, with a steadfast focus on ensuring justice for all. During his years of service, Congressman Grijalva worked tirelessly to protect our environment, expand health care to countless Arizonans, respect tribal sovereignty, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To his last day, he remained a servant leader who put everyday people first while in office. I join every Arizonan in mourning his passing. May he rest in peace.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero:
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego:
“I’m saddened by @RepRaulGrijalva‘s passing. He was a fierce advocate for his constituents, a defender of our natural resources, and a champion for climate action. His passing leaves a void in Arizona and beyond. My condolences to his family and friends.”
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes:
“AZ lost a giant today. Congressman Raul Grijalva dedicated his life to fighting for the people of Arizona. From standing up for working families, Indigenous communities, and clean air and water — Raul leaves a legacy that is unmatched. I am thinking of his family and loved ones.”
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes:
“Rest in peace, Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Your tireless dedication and unwavering advocacy for Southern Arizona leaves behind an enduring legacy for generations to come.”
Representative Yassamin Ansari:
“I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my colleague Raul Grijalva. He was a fighter for Arizonans and a champion for Indigenous communities and our planet. We will all miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family, friends, loved ones, and constituents.”
Senator Mark Kelly:
“Today, Arizona lost a champion. Raul Grijalva served Southern Arizona for decades. He fought for the rights and well-being of all Arizonans, especially those who needed a hand. He led the charge to protect our environment and the Grand Canyon for future generations. And he was there for
@gabbygiffords and our family after she was shot. We are thinking of his family, his team, and everybody who looked up to him.”
Gabby Giffords:
“Mark and I were devastated to learn that our longtime friend Raul Grijalva passed away. Raul was also a mentor to me, when I was first elected to Congress, Raul showed me the ropes. Throughout the years, and after I was shot, his friendship and wisdom were a constant source of support.”
Eric Robbins, Chair, Pima County Democratic Party:
“We stand in solemn gratitude to honor the life and legacy of Raul Grijalva. His voice was resolute and unwavering and Arizona was blessed by his service in Congress for over two decades.
From his days as a student activist to his tenure on the Tucson Unified School District board, Raul lived his dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and civil rights.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, he established himself as a progressive force, leading the Congressional Progressive Caucus and tirelessly advocating for public lands, Indigenous rights, immigration reform, and the working families of Arizona.
Raul’s political arc was defined not by ambition but by purpose. He was a public servant who understood that leadership is measured not in titles held, but in lives uplifted. His efforts shaped policy and protected the land.
Providence demands us bid farewell to our friend, but Arizona’s appreciation for Raul Grijalva is undying – his work endures. His spirit is on our landscapes, our communities, and in the hearts of all who believe in a more just and compassionate world.
We speak across the void in faith – Rest in power, Congressman Grijalva. Arizona will never forget.”
Arizona House Democrats:
“Raúl Grijalva is the quintessential Arizona story. The son of migrant Mexican Bracero laborers, in a single generation he transformed himself into one of our state’s most outspoken, impactful, and longest-serving leaders. He succeeded through education, determination, and his inexhaustible drive to help and serve communities in need, and he showed countless others how to do it as well. His beloved Tucson and communities throughout Arizona will dearly miss the progressive heartbeat of our Congress and the fiercest protector of our wildlands, air, and water. Our Caucus gives our deepest condolences to Congressman Grijalva’s incredible family and many loved ones during this heartbreakingly difficult time.”
Arizona Senate Democrats:
“Congressman Grijalva was a dedicated public servant, family man, and community activist. His commitment to continuing the fight for civil rights, for women’s rights, for environmental protections, and for the next generation of Arizonans has inspired a generation of new leaders to continue his legacy.
As the son of a bracero—a guest worker who emigrated from Mexico to Tucson—Grijalva understood intimately that what makes this nation great is the people that show up and fight for their neighbors. He took that fight to Congress and never wavered in his belief that we could achieve a better, more equitable future for all.
We send our love and prayers to his wife, Ramona, his three daughters, and his entire family during this very difficult time. Congressman Grijalva was a progressive light in Democratic politics and a force for change in Arizona. He will be deeply missed, and in his memory, we will continue working to make Arizona a place for all people.”
Arizona Democratic Party:
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Congressman Grijalva, as a man of honor you spent you career fighting the good fight on behalf of all Arizonans (whether they recognized it or not) and have more than earned your place in history. Rest in peace Sir.
One can only hope that whoever is elected to fill his seat spends their Congressional career honoring his legacy.