Arizona Democratic Congressman Raul Grijalva has died at 77 following complications from cancer treatment, according to his office.
Grijalva announced that he’d been diagnosed with cancer in April 2024. He did not specify the type of cancer he had, but initially sought treatment for a persistent cough and pneumonia.
“Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle,” his congressional office said in a statement on Thursday.
Grijalva was first elected in 2002 to represent Arizona’s 7th district, which includes Tucson, some Phoenix suburbs and a stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border. He won his 12th term by more than 25 percentage points last November.
He previously served as a ranking member and chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, chair emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and as a member the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
“Rep. Grijalva’s kind and humble nature was known to many,” his office said. “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 also noted his “steadfast” commitment “to produce lasting change through environmental policies,” saying he “led the Natural Resources Committee without fear of repercussion, but with an urgency of the consequences of inaction.”
Grijalva is survived by his wife, Ramona, and three daughters.
His death means the Republicans now hold a 218-213 advantage in the House. A special election will be held to fill his vacancy.
His death also comes roughly a week after that of another Democratic congressman, Texas Rep. and ex-Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who died at 70 after suffering a medical emergency.