Longtime Democratic Rep Passes Away After Battle With Cancer

Democratic Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva passed away Thursday morning “due to complications of his cancer treatments,” according to a statement released by the 77 years-old lawmakers’ office.

“Serving Southern Arizona was the honor of Raúl M. Grijalva’s life,” the statement notes. “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.’”

Grijalva was elected to the House of Representatives in 2003 and served several terms as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. The longtime congressman was absent for most votes in 2024 and 2025 due to his cancer diagnosis. He announced he would not seek another term in October following his election to serve in the 119th Congress.

Grijalva is the second Democratic lawmaker to pass away in the 119th Congress. Former Democratic Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner passed away on March 5 after battling bone cancer.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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