'Heartbroken': Longtime Dem lawmaker dies at 77 after ‘long and brave battle’ with cancer

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) died on Thursday morning from “complications of his cancer treatments,” according to media reports.

"The Office of the 7th District of Arizona is saddened to announce the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva," the Arizona lawmaker’s office confirmed in a statement. "Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle."

Grijalva, who served in Congress for more than 20 years after having first been elected in 2002, served as chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and, most recently, as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee,” NBC News reported.

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“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,” his office said.

The statement added: “Serving Southern Arizona was the honor of Raúl M. Grijalva’s life,” and that his staff is "heartbroken in the face of this news but determined to carry on his legacy.”

Grijalva’s death comes just a week after the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-TX) on March 5.