Rep. Raúl Grijalva, Environmental Advocate, Dies at 77

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Rep. Raúl Grijalva, Environmental Advocate, Dies at 77 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva, a champion for environmental protection and progressive policies, has died at 77 due to complications from cancer treatment. A 12-term Democrat, Grijalva chaired the House Natural Resources Committee and fought to protect the Grand Canyon and public lands. His death leaves his congressional seat vacant until a special election is held.

Raúl Grijalva’s Legacy in Congress: Quick Looks

Grijalva’s Passing: The longtime Arizona congressman died at 77 due to cancer-related complications.
Environmental Advocate: He led efforts to protect the Grand Canyon and expand public lands.
Progressive Champion: A former Congressional Progressive Caucus chair, he fought for working families.
Legacy in Natural Resources: Key player in water conservation, public lands, and climate policy.
Vacant Congressional Seat: Arizona’s heavily Democratic district will hold a special election to replace him.
Potential Successors: His daughter Adelita Grijalva and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero are likely contenders.
Bipartisan Respect: Democrats and Republicans alike honored his dedication and character.

Deep Look

A Progressive Voice in Washington

Arizona Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, a steadfast advocate for environmental protection, social justice, and progressive policies, passed away on Thursday at the age of 77 due to complications from cancer treatment. His death marks the loss of one of Congress’s most influential progressive voices, whose impact extended far beyond his home state.

Grijalva, a 12-term Democrat, represented southern Arizona in the U.S. House since 2002. As a longtime leader of the House Natural Resources Committee, he played a crucial role in environmental policy, public land protection, and water conservation in the Southwest.

Fighting for Public Lands and Conservation

As chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, Grijalva led the charge in:

Permanently protecting the Grand Canyon from uranium mining.
Securing funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which safeguards national parks and recreational areas.
Advocating for the National Landscape Conservation System Act, which protects cultural and natural heritage sites.
Opposing the construction of a massive copper mine in Arizona’s fragile ecosystems.

Even in his final years, Grijalva pushed for a new national monument near the Grand Canyon, working with Native American tribes to protect sacred ancestral lands.

His office reflected on his dedication to environmental justice, stating:

“From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices.”

A Career Dedicated to Social Justice and Progressive Causes

Grijalva, the son of a Mexican immigrant, was a lifelong advocate for working families, immigrants, and underserved communities.

In 2008, he chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus, solidifying his reputation as a progressive leader.
He fought to strengthen the Affordable Care Act, ensuring broader access to healthcare.
He championed civil rights, labor protections, and indigenous rights throughout his career.

His friend and colleague, Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego, described him as a role model for Latino politicians:

“Congressman Grijalva was not just my colleague, but my friend. He spent his life as a voice for equality.”

Grijalva’s Final Years and Cancer Battle

Grijalva announced in April 2023 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but he remained committed to his work.

Despite undergoing treatment, he sought reelection and won easily in his solidly Democratic district. However, his health struggles kept him away from Washington, D.C., for extended periods.

Earlier this year, he stepped down as the ranking Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee and announced plans to retire rather than run for re-election in 2026.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries mourned his passing, calling him a “giant” in Congress:

“Congressman Grijalva represented his community fiercely, keeping his constituents and the climate at the center of everything he did.”

A Congressional Seat Left Vacant

With Grijalva’s death, Arizona’s heavily Democratic district—which spans from Tucson to the Mexico border—is left without representation.

A special election will be held later this year, likely leading to a heated Democratic primary between:

Adelita Grijalva – His daughter, a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero – A longtime political ally of Grijalva.

Political observers expect a fierce battle between progressive Democrats aligned with Grijalva and more moderate factions.

Bipartisan Tributes Pour In

Despite being a staunch liberal, Grijalva earned respect from colleagues across the aisle.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called him “one of the most progressive members” of Congress.
Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) remembered his kindness and humor, adding: “He had a great sense of humor. As a fellow animal lover, we often found ourselves working together on animal protection issues.”

From Community Organizer to Congress

Grijalva’s political career began long before his time in Congress.

He started as a community organizer in Tucson, advocating for education and workers’ rights.
He served years on the local school board before being elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
In 2002, he ran for Congress in Arizona’s newly created 7th District, winning the seat that he would hold for over two decades.

Grijalva saw himself as a champion for the underdog:

“His kind and humble nature was known to many. He was approachable by all because he believed people should be treated as equals,” his office said.

A Lasting Legacy

Grijalva’s passing leaves a significant void in Congress, particularly in the fight for environmental protection, social justice, and indigenous rights.

While his district will elect a new representative, his impact on public lands, conservation, and progressive causes will be felt for generations.

As tributes pour in, one thing is clear: Raúl Grijalva dedicated his life to giving a voice to those who needed it most.