Washington, D.C. has been hit with a tragedy. Everyone is stunned.
And the shocking death of this Democrat has left Capitol Hill speechless.
Arizona Representative Raul Grijalva Passes Away at 77
On Thursday morning, Arizona lost one of its most dedicated public servants, Representative Raul Grijalva (D), who succumbed to complications from lung cancer treatment at the age of 77. The announcement from his office came just seven days after the death of Texas Representative Sylvester Turner, casting a shadow over the political landscape.
Grijalva, who had been in his 12th term, hadn’t cast a vote since January 3, a mere three months into his latest stint in Congress.
He leaves behind his wife and three daughters. “Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle,” his office shared in a heartfelt statement, reflecting on his tireless commitment to his constituents.
For more than 20 years, Grijalva represented Southern Arizona in Washington, D.C., fueled by a deep connection to his community. “Driven by his community values and spirit, he worked tirelessly and accomplished so much — for Arizona and for the country,” his office noted.
Even after revealing a cancer diagnosis last year, Grijalva remained determined, running for reelection in both the 2024 primary and general elections. His optimism about his treatment paid off when he decisively defeated his Republican opponent in November.
Shortly after his victory, Grijalva stepped down from his role as the leading Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. His passing now shifts the dynamics in the House, where Republicans, previously limited to losing just one vote on party-line issues with full attendance, can now withstand two defections.
A proud member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Grijalva was a fierce advocate for environmental causes, earning him a reputation as one of the House’s most liberal voices, according to GovTrack.
His office highlighted his legacy: “Rep. Grijalva pushed for new public parks, childcare centers, health care clinics, local businesses, and affordable housing have breathed new life into neighborhoods across Southern Arizona.”
According to his office, infrastructure upgrades, like roads, bridges, and the streetcar system, also flourished under his watch, boosting the region’s economy.
“Rep. Grijalva’s kind and humble nature was known to many. He was approachable by all because he believed people should be treated as equals. He loved to give gifts, blare music in his office, and get to know people for who they are,” his office recalled fondly.
Arizona will soon hold a special election to replace him in Congress. Grijalva’s journey began in 1948 at Canoa Ranch, born to an immigrant father and a mother who didn’t speak English. He often said his upbringing gave him a “political backbone.”
His path wasn’t without struggles—during the 1980s, he battled alcohol issues, entering a treatment program before earning a sociology degree in 1987.
First elected to the House in 2002, Grijalva built a career spanning over 40 years in public service. Early in his congressional tenure, he gained attention for opposing the Bush administration’s 2003 Iraq invasion. Before that, he served on the Pima County Board of Supervisors starting in 1989.
A vocal member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Grijalva didn’t shy away from controversy. Just two hours before his passing was announced, his X account criticized President Trump:
“President Trump’s latest reckless decision to fire thousands of employees at the Department of Education jeopardizes critical student aid programs, weakens protections for students’ civil rights, and undermines essential support for students with disabilities.”
He added, “Trump and Musk are prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy over the future of our students. It’s selfish, and it’s illegal.”
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
