Arizona Democratic Congressman Raul Grijalva has died at 77 following issues from most cancers remedy, in accordance with his workplace.
Grijalva introduced that he’d been recognized with most cancers in April 2024. He didn’t specify the kind of most cancers he had, however initially sought remedy for a persistent cough and pneumonia.
“Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle,” his congressional workplace stated in an announcement on Thursday.
Grijalva was first elected in 2002 to characterize Arizona’s seventh district, which incorporates Tucson, some Phoenix suburbs and a stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border. He gained his twelfth time period by greater than 25 proportion factors final November.
He beforehand served as a rating member and chairman of the Home Pure Assets 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 workplace stated. “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 workplace additionally famous his “steadfast” dedication “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 spouse, Ramona, and three daughters.
His demise means the Republicans now maintain a 218-213 benefit within the Home. A particular election will likely be held to fill his emptiness.
His demise additionally comes roughly per week after that of one other Democratic congressman, Texas Rep. and ex-Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who died at 70 after struggling a medical emergency.
