Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a greater than two-decade veteran of the Home who rose to excessive ranges of energy within the Democratic Caucus, died on Thursday. He was 77.
A fixture of progressive politics in Washington, Grijalva was a well known determine in Congress, acknowledged nationally for his appearances in committee rooms and on cable tv spots, and domestically for extra casual interactions on Capitol Hill. He served as Pure Assets 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 assertion 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 twelfth time period in November, however had been absent for the opening weeks of the brand new Congress as he fought lung most cancers.
Grijalva introduced his most cancers prognosis in April 2024, revealing a couple of months later in July that he accomplished therapy. In October, he stated the 2024 election, which he gained handedly, could be his final.
Grijalva’s final public look within the Capitol was on Jan. 3, when lawmakers convened to formally start the 119th Congress and elect a Speaker.
Grijalva’s open seat can have speedy ramifications within the Home. With this emptiness, the brand new breakdown within the decrease chamber is 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats, that means the GOP can lose two votes on any party-line effort and nonetheless get it over the end line, giving Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) extra wiggle room in his razor-thin majority.
Grijalva is the second Home Democrat to move away on this month. Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died final week.
Grijalva, the longtime Democratic chief on the Home Pure Assets Committee, was a forceful fighter towards many Trump-era efforts to ease environmental laws.
He was additionally a robust voice for environmental justice — highlighting the harms that disproportionately fell on decrease revenue individuals of colour.
“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,” his workers stated in an announcement.
“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,” they added.
Grijalva was pushed other than committee management within the wake of his most cancers therapies, nevertheless, as different lawmakers complained he was unable to attend conferences and was occasionally noticed on the Hill after his prognosis.
Grijalva was a daily at a Capitol Hill dive bar, Tune Inn, and was usually noticed there after votes, keen to speak and joke with reporters, workers and lawmakers alike.
Grijalva’s workers burdened his openness to all.
“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.”
Up to date at 6:11 p.m.
