Tempe Educator, a three-term Mayor, four-term State Senator, Party Chairperson, and two-term House Representative, Harry Mitchell passed away yesterday (July 29) at the age of 86.
A political lion for close to 30 years, tributes for Mitchell have rolled in from Arizona’s current leaders over the last 24 hours.
Governor Katie Hobbs wrote:
“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.”
In a press statement, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes conveyed:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Arizona Congressman Harry Mitchell. His life was marked by dedicated service and a genuine commitment to the people of Arizona and 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. During this difficult time, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who are mourning his loss.
Our thoughts are with those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.”
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes posted:
“Arizona lost a giant today. Harry Mitchell was a Tempe High civics teacher, a mayor, a state senator, and a congressman—and through all of it, one of the kindest and most decent people in Arizona politics. He taught generations of us what public service is supposed to look like. My condolences to Mark and the entire Mitchell family.”
In a social media post, Current Tempe Mayor Corey Woods wrote:
“There is no part of Tempe that has not been influenced by the legacy of The Honorable Harry Mitchell. During his 24 years on the Tempe City Council (16 of those as Mayor), he voted to build our iconic City Hall in Downtown Tempe. He was also a huge advocate for the Rio Salado Project, which eventually resulted in the creation of Tempe Town Lake.
He went on to represent our city in the Arizona State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Our City is truly grateful for the lifetime of leadership that he has left us.
The Honorable Harry Mitchell is a bonafide legend and was a true statesman in every way. He will be dearly missed by each and every one of us.”
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego posted:
Former Phoenix Mayor and current House Representative representing Tempe Greg Stanton relayed:
“Harry Mitchell was as Tempe as it gets.
Born and raised here, he graduated from Tempe High, attended Arizona State University, and returned to teach American Government at his alma mater for three decades, shaping generations of young minds along the way.
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.
Running for Congress was the culmination of a lifetime of service. A Blue Dog through and through, Harry frequently reached across the aisle—but he was never afraid to take a hard vote. He lost his seat in Congress after voting for the landmark Affordable Care Act, extending health coverage to tens of thousands of his constituents. But he never regretted it, not for a moment. That was Harry: a public servant who put people before politics, always.
I’m sending my condolences to his children, Mark and Amy, and grandchildren.”
Arizona Senate Democrats posted:
Arizona House Democrats posted:
Rest in Peace and God Bless Harry Mitchell.
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