Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva Passes Away After Cancer Battle

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, who represented Arizona‘s 7th congressional district, passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 77 following a courageous fight against cancer. His office confirmed that complications from his cancer treatments led to his death.

Grijalva’s political career began in Tucson, where he served as a community organizer before being elected to the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board and later the Pima County Board of Supervisors. He resigned his supervisors’ position in 2002 to pursue a congressional career in the newly established 7th District, serving for 12 terms.

In a statement from his office, it read, “Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle. He was driven by his community values and worked tirelessly to be a voice for Southern Arizonans in Washington, D.C.” Throughout his tenure, he was known for championing legislation on climate change, health care, and issues affecting immigrant communities.

His significant achievements include the permanent protection of the Grand Canyon and enhancements to the Affordable Care Act. Grijalva was a proponent of investments in climate action, efforts for land and water conservation funding, and access to healthcare for tribal communities.

“Some victories seemed out of reach when he first came to Congress, but with support from the community, colleagues, allies, and staff, he helped make them real,” his office stated.

As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Grijalva was resolute in his commitment to environmental preservation. He famously emphasized, “it’s for the babies,” indicating his belief in the need for sustainable policies so future generations could thrive.

Grijalva’s focus extended beyond environmental issues; he advocated for education reform, including early childhood education expansion and student loan forgiveness. He also pursued initiatives for fair treatment of farmers and workers facing extreme weather conditions.

His dedication to community engagement fostered transformative improvements, making significant investments in public parks, childcare centers, and affordable housing across Southern Arizona. Improvements to infrastructure under his guidance included roads and streetcar systems, greatly enhancing local commerce.

In his own words, Grijalva expressed, “We cannot back down from addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. We must preserve our irreplaceable natural heritage for every next generation.” His emphasis on action and social equity served as a cornerstone for his policy initiatives.

Grijalva was remembered not only for his political achievements but also for his character. His approachable nature and passion for connecting with people made him beloved among constituents and colleagues alike. As his office noted, “Serving Southern Arizona was the honor of Raúl M. Grijalva’s life.”

In the wake of his passing, Grijalva’s staff pledged to continue his legacy of service. They assured constituents that while a special election to fill his position will take place, they will maintain constituent services uninterrupted.

The life of Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva remains a testament to dedication and commitment, reflecting a career focused on compassion and community-driven solutions.