Posted March 20, 2025
Congressman Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, died on March 13, 2025, after a battle with cancer, he was 77.
Raúl Grijalva began his career in public service as a community organizer in Tucson, Phoenix. Four decades later, he continued to be an advocate for those in need and a voice for the constituents of his home community. From 1974 to 1986, Raúl served on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, including six years as Chairman. In 1988, he was elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors, where he served for the next 15 years, chairing the Board for two of those years. Raúl resigned his seat on the Board of Supervisors in 2002 to seek office in Arizona’s newly created Seventh Congressional District. Despite a nine-candidate primary and the challenge of being outspent three-to-one by his closest competitor, Raúl was elected with a 20-point victory, thanks to a diverse coalition of supporters that led the largest volunteer-driven election effort in Arizona.
Throughout his career, Raúl has always fought for underrepresented voices. The passions that drove him as a School Board member to fight for and succeed at implementing bilingual education in Arizona are the same passions that motivated him to help pass the first bond package containing a $10 million commitment to reinvest in older, poorer neighborhoods while he was a County Supervisor. Likewise, they are what drive him today as he fights to reform our broken immigration system, ensure livable wages for American workers, and create vital land protections to safeguard our nation’s natural treasures for the next generation.
Raúl served as Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee during the 116th and 117th Congress. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee and is a standing member of the Education and Labor Committee. He remained a Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, as well as a long-standing member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
The following are sentiments from colleagues, community and friends:
The Staff of Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva
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.
More than two decades ago, Rep. Grijalva embarked on a journey to be a voice for Southern Arizonans in Washington, D.C. Driven by his community values and spirit, he worked tirelessly and accomplished so much — for Arizona and for the country.
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. He led the charge for historic investments in climate action, port of entry modernization, permanent funding for land and water conservation programs, access to health care for tribal communities and the uninsured, fairness for immigrant families and Dreamers, student loan forgiveness, stronger protections for farmers and workers exposed to extreme heat, early childhood education expansion, higher standards for tribal consultation, and so much more. Some of these victories seemed out of reach when he first came to Congress, but with support from community, colleagues, allies, and staff, he helped make them real.
From Tucson to Nogales and beyond, he worked tirelessly for transformational improvements. 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. Improvements to our roads, bridges, and streetcar system have improved our daily lives and attracted new businesses and industries to the area.
Rep. Grijalva’s passion was not only for his community, but for preservation of the planet. When coming to Congress he was determined to serve on the Natural Resources Committee. He was steadfast in his commitment to produce lasting change through environmental policies — as he would say, “it’s for the babies.” He led the Natural Resources Committee without fear of repercussion, but with an urgency of the consequences of inaction. In doing so, Rep. Grijalva also had the privilege to stand with communities across the country — from the San Carlos Apache near Oak Flat to the residents of Louisiana’s Cancer Alley — where residents are bravely fighting for justice after decades of industry pollution and exploitation. Working side by side with former Congressman McEachin and environmental justice advocates across the country, Rep. Grijalva created a community driven approach to drafting The Environmental Justice for All Act, legislation that empowers people to stand up for and protect their communities. His strong belief was that no matter where you’re from, one truth unites us all: everyone deserves the freedom to live a healthy life, and every child deserves a safe and fair chance at their future.
Rep. Grijalva expressed his hope that the lessons we’ve discovered along the way will continue to move us forward, not backward. “We cannot back down from addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. We cannot leave the poor to fend for themselves against burgeoning corporate greed. We cannot allow our education, health care, and social security to be sold out so the rich can get richer. We must treat each other with dignity and respect, as neighbors, not enemies. We must preserve our irreplaceable natural heritage for every next generation. We must give every child the opportunity to succeed. And in times of great uncertainty, when we are looking for guidance, we must always remember that the will of the people is the greatest leader, not the leader who imposes his will.”
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. The Congressman cared deeply for and was proud of his staff, the dedicated public servants who spent 22 years fighting alongside him for the people of Southern Arizona. Together, we helped families get back on their feet and remained a source of help and hope when people had nowhere else to turn. We are heartbroken in the face of this news but determined to carry on his legacy. While the special election is being carried out, our office will continue to provide constituent services.
Serving Southern Arizona was the honor of Raúl M. Grijalva’s life. Having represented our communities for over 50 years was a privilege. We thank all of you for the trust, support, and the partnership that you gave to Rep. Grijalva over the years. We are especially grateful to Rep. Grijalva’s family for their friendship and keeping it “all about the love.”
The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) mourns the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva, who died on March 13, 2025, at the age of 76. A tireless advocate for immigrant rights, Indigenous peoples, and the environment, Grijalva’s legacy is one of deep compassion and unwavering commitment to justice.
Throughout his distinguished career in the U.S. House of Representatives, Grijalva stood at the forefront of the fight for the rights of immigrants, often challenging harmful policies that sought to criminalize and dehumanize immigrant communities. A proud son of Mexican immigrants, he worked tirelessly to ensure that immigrants, regardless of their status, were treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. His leadership was instrumental in pushing for comprehensive immigration reform that sought to reunite families, protect workers, and offer pathways to citizenship.
Grijalva’s advocacy extended beyond immigrant rights, as he became an unflinching ally of Indigenous peoples. He worked hand-in-hand with Native communities to protect sacred lands, secure tribal sovereignty, and address the ongoing legacies of colonialism and displacement. His deep respect for Indigenous cultures and traditions guided his work in Congress, ensuring that the voices of Native peoples were amplified in national policy discussions.
An environmental champion, Grijalva’s efforts to safeguard public lands, combat climate change, and protect biodiversity were foundational to his time in Congress. As chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, he led initiatives that defended national monuments, public lands, and endangered species from corporate exploitation. His environmental vision was rooted in a belief that a healthy planet is inseparable from the health and well-being of communities, including immigrants and Indigenous peoples.
“Congressman Grijalva’s passing is a profound loss not only to the immigrant, Indigenous, and environmental communities, and all of those fighting for social justice,” said Isabel Garcia, a longtime colleague of Raul Grijalva and NNIRR’s board member. “He was a voice for those who have been excluded, exploited and displaced. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the movements he inspired.”
Grijalva’s dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity will continue to guide the work of NNIRR and countless others in the fight for immigrant and refugee rights. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and honor his memory by committing to carry forward his vision of a more just, compassionate and humane borderland.
U.S. Congresswoman Theresa Leger Fernández, NM
Raul—dearest fierce dedicated Chairman Grijalva,
My heart is breaking over the loss of your voice in Congress. The love you had for our planet and those who needed it most was as deep as the Grand Canyon you helped protect. You encouraged me to Chair the Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples, and your commitment to Native Americans meant we passed dozens of bipartisan bills.
We protested together, we legislated together, and your spirit will continue to guide my work and that of environmentalists, activists, Latinos, Native Americans and people who love this beautiful place we call home. Que descanses en paz con el amor de un pueblo agradecido.
U.S. Congressman Ted W. Lieu, CA
I join our entire caucus in mourning the loss of a Democratic titan, Raúl Grijalva. A lifelong champion of progressive values, Congressman Grijalva served his community and our country for decades and was an influential leader and a valuable voice among House Democrats. In his roles on the House Natural Resources Committee, including his tenure as Committee Chair, Congressman Grijalva used his influence to advance causes that put environmental justice front and center. He fought to hold oil companies accountable for spills, to act aggressively on climate change and to expand our country’s land conservation efforts, among many other important causes. I join his family, friends, colleagues and constituents in mourning this tremendous loss.
Senator Ruben Gallego, AZ
Congressman Grijalva was not just my colleague, but my friend. As another Latino working in public service, I can say from experience that he served as a role model to many young people across the Grand Canyon State. He spent his life as a voice for equality. In Congress, I was proud to see firsthand his leadership as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee as he stood up for Arizona’s water rights, natural beauty, and Tribes. I am praying for his family during this time of grief, and I hope that they find comfort knowing his legacy is one that will stand tall for generations.
Abigail Dillen, President, Earthjustice
We are devastated and saddened by the passing of Rep. Grijalva, a giant in the environmental movement. His legacy is a testament to selfless public service, devoting his life to an unwavering belief that the most vulnerable among us deserve a healthy, dignified life. At a time when too many people in power simply didn’t care, Rep. Grijalva forcefully and unapologetically declared that every person deserved the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment—a tenacity that would guide his storied career in Congress.
Rep. Grijalva deftly understood the connection between conservation, health, and justice in a way few others could and crafted and championed some of the most consequential recent pieces of environmental legislation introduced in Congress, like the Environmental Justice for All Act. From fighting TCE pollution in the water of South Tucson to playing a pivotal role in permanently protecting the lands around the Grand Canyon, Rep. Grijalva never missed an opportunity to forcefully fight big polluters and safeguard our communities, cherished places, and planet for future generations. Our thoughts are with Rep. Grijalva’s family, his staff, and his constituents during this time. It is clear he has left an undeniable mark on his beloved Arizona, the environmental movement, our planet, and our hearts.
Abigail Dillen, Presidenta de Earthjustice
Expresamos nuestro inmenso dolor por el fallecimiento del representante Grijalva, una figura clave del movimiento ambiental. Su legado es el retrato de su devoción por el servicio público, dedicando su vida a una firme convicción de que los más vulnerables merecen una vida sana y digna. En una época en la que muchas personas en el poder simplemente demostraban desinterés, el representante Grijalva declaró con firmeza y sin complejos que cada ser humano merecía el derecho a un aire y agua limpios y un medio ambiente sano. Este fue el tesón que guiaría su legendaria carrera en el Congreso.
El representante Grijalva entendió el vínculo entre la conservación, la salud y la justicia como pocos, además de que elaboró y defendió algunas de las leyes ambientales más importantes presentadas recientemente en el Congreso, como la Ley de Justicia Ambiental para Todos. Desde la lucha contra la contaminación por TCE en las aguas del sur de Tucson hasta su papel fundamental en la protección permanente de las tierras que rodean el Gran Cañón, el Representante Grijalva nunca desperdició la oportunidad de luchar con firmeza contra grandes contaminadores y buscar la protección de nuestras comunidades, lugares preciados y el planeta para generaciones futuras.
“Acompañamos en nuestros pensamientos a la familia del Representante Grijalva, a su personal y a sus electores en estos momentos. Es evidente que ha dejado una huella indeleble en su querida Arizona, en el movimiento ambientalista, en nuestro planeta y en nuestros corazones”.
Earthjustice es la organización de derecho ambiental sin fines de lucro más importante del país.
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials
We are heartbroken to learn about the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the Arizona community for the loss of such an esteemed leader.
The Honorable Raúl Grijalva leaves a legacy that will resonate for generations. He was a strong voice for his constituents in Southern Arizona. Throughout his decades of public service, Congressman Grijalva restlessly advocated for bringing impactful change to his community and the nation. He was a defender of environmental issues and promoted social and economic justice for immigrants and low-income individuals.
Congressman Grijalva was a respected policymaker in the Latino community and the halls of Congress — across party lines. He leaves behind a legacy that prioritized fairness and protecting human rights. We extend our condolences to the people of Arizona; our hearts and thoughts are with them, his family, friends, and all those who mourn his loss.
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