NEW YORK CITY - APRIL 2 2015: mayor Bill de Blasio met with a group of progressive leaders at Gracie Mansion to discuss ways to address growing income disparity in the US. Rep Raul Gijalva of Arizona. (Photo credit: a katz / Shutterstock)
Capitol Hill is mourning the passing of longtime Rep. Raúl Grijalva, whose office confirmed his death came Thursday morning following “complications of his cancer treatments.”
The 77 year-old Arizona lawmaker, first elected in 2002, was a top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, and “fought a long and brave battle,” according to his office, which added that his staff members “are heartbroken.”
The news sparked an outpouring of tributes and expressions of sadness throughout social media – from dozens of his congressional colleagues – to those who knew and worked with him in Arizona political circles throughout his decades in public service.
“A genuinely devastating loss,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) wrote on X. “Raúl Grijalva stood as one of the biggest champions for working people in all of Congress. His leadership was singular. He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) told his social media followers that Grijalva was “a former colleague of mine and one of the most progressive members of the U.S. House.”
“Raúl was a fighter for working families throughout his entire life. He will be sorely missed,” Sanders wrote.
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Jenniffer González, governor of Puerto Rico, wrote in an X post that she was “deeply saddened” by Grijalva’s passing and called him “a steadfast advocate for his constituents and a dedicated public servant.”
“Sydney and I are saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Rep. Raúl Grijalva,” posted Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). “He was a champion for those in need and dedicated his life to fighting for all Arizonans. He will be missed.”
MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk, a key ally of President Donald Trump, expressed his “Condolences to Mr. Grijalva's family and loved ones,” and added in an X post: “May he rest in peace.”
Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ), a former Phoenix mayor, told his Bluesky followers that he was “heartbroken by the passing of my friend and colleague” above a statement that read in part: “Congressman Raúl Grijalva will be rightly remembered as one of the most consequential leaders in Arizona political history.”
“AZ lost a giant today,” the state’s attorney general, Kris Mayes, wrote on Bluesky. “Raul leaves a legacy that is unmatched,” she added.