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From The Hill: 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 in April 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, and said in July that he had completed his treatments. He won re-election in November 2024. His last appearance in Congress was on January 3, when Congress reconvened for the new year and the House Speaker was elected.
Democrats also lost another House member last week: Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), who passed away suddenly after attending President Trump’s address to Congress the night before.
Grijalva’s office released the following statement announcing his death:
A statement from the Office of Raúl M. Grijalva. pic.twitter.com/DJkWNfwHfn
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) March 13, 2025
The congressman’s staff appears to have posted a statement on Grijalva’s X account, as if it came from him, Thursday afternoon, hours after he reportedly died. In the post, Grijalva rages against President Trump’s “reckless decision to fire thousands of employees at the Department of Education.”
That post is now prompting mockery. Attorney Mike Davis wrote, “I’ve updated my last will and testament: “Please bury me with my phone. So I can keep shit-posting from the grave. Like Raul Grijalva.””
I’ve updated my last will and testament:
“Please bury me with my phone.
So I can keep shit-posting from the grave.
Like Raul Grijalva.” https://t.co/1EEVuaEAIj
— 🇺🇸 Mike Davis 🇺🇸 (@mrddmia) March 13, 2025
Posted by “Rep. Grijalva” 2 hours ago.
Grijalva died this morning from cancer. pic.twitter.com/Cghag40JYU— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 13, 2025
House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his condolences: “House members are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Raul Grijalva, who served his constituents faithfully in Congress for more than two decades. Our prayers are with Raul’s wife, Ramona, his three children, and the people of Arizona’s 7th district.”
House members are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Raul Grijalva, who served his constituents faithfully in Congress for more than two decades.
Our prayers are with Raul’s wife, Ramona, his three children, and the people of Arizona’s 7th district.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 13, 2025
Many House and Senate Democrats are also posting condolences:
I mourn the death of Rep. Raúl Grijalva, a former colleague of mine and one of the most progressive members of the U.S. House. Raúl was a fighter for working families throughout his entire life. He will be sorely missed.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 13, 2025
A genuinely devastating loss.
Raúl Grijalva stood as one of the biggest champions for working people in all of Congress.
His leadership was singular. He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment. https://t.co/C1TW6G9xN5
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 13, 2025
Sydney and I are saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Rep. Raúl Grijalva.
He was a champion for those in need and dedicated his life to fighting for all Arizonans. He will be missed.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) March 13, 2025
Raúl Grijalva was a fighter for the unseen — first as a community organizer and local official, and later as a champion of his beloved Arizona for more than two decades in Congress.
He was a deeply respected Member and will be missed dearly by all of us in the Democratic Caucus. pic.twitter.com/F7mi5MGane
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) March 13, 2025
Wow. This is such a loss for Arizona and our Country. Chair Raul Grijalva has been a champion for progressive change his entire life. From the School Board to Congress, his leadership and voice inspired so many. Myself included.
Rest in Power, Chairman Grijalva. https://t.co/ED98rpQ0PN
— Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@MaxwellFrostFL) March 13, 2025
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) has died at the age of 77 due to complications from cancer treatments.
He had served in the House since 2003. pic.twitter.com/wFeaKzILDD
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 13, 2025
I am devastated by the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva and my heart is with his family and loved ones. 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. https://t.co/8jTSzdUXxZ
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) March 13, 2025
#BREAKING: House Democrat Rep. Raúl Grijalva dies at 77 https://t.co/o7tHfxRF4p
— The Hill (@thehill) March 13, 2025
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