Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva dies at 77 after cancer battle

Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva died Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the age of 77. Grijalva reportedly passed away after complications from his cancer treatments. Last April, he announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. His office released a statement on his passing.

“Arizona Horizon” host Ted Simons spoke to Ronald Hansen, National Political Reporter, of “The Arizona Republic” and azcentral.com about Grijalva’s life and legacy.

Hansen explained Grijalva had been in poor health for a number of years but admitted it was still surprising to hear of his passing.

“It’s a sad day for sure, but I think we all sort of felt that this was not going to end well,” Hansen said.

Grijalva, a Democrat, had served as a U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District (previously the 3rd District) since 2003 and was one of the longest-serving Congress members in Arizona history.

Grijalva was known for his progressive stance on issues like environmental protection, immigration reform and workers’ rights. Grijalva held prominent positions on the House Natural Resources Committee, including serving as chair and ranking member. He was known for environmental advocacy throughout his career.

Grijalva was chair emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus as well as a member the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

“Raul Grijalva, sort of his entire life was wrapped up in politics and government in one way or another,” Hansen said. “His father came as part of the Bracero Program from Mexico to America, and so Raul was sort of a product in the sense of that government program that has been so picked apart over the years. He was radicalized in the sense of a disciple of the Caesar Chavez movement in the early 1970s. He was someone who got involved in local education and politics in Pima County and later with the Pima County Board of Supervisors and then worked his way into Congress.”

A special election will be held to fill the vacancy.