Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), 77, died Thursday after a protracted battle with lung most cancers.
The longtime chief of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Grijalva was a well known determine in Congress, acknowledged nationally for his appearances in committee rooms and on cable tv spots, and domestically for extra casual interactions on Capitol Hill.
“The Office of the 7th District of Arizona is saddened to announce the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva. Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle,” his workplace shared in a press release.
“He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments.”
Grijalva was the longest-serving member of Arizona’s congressional delegation. He was reelected to serve a twelfth time period in November however had been absent for the opening weeks of the brand new Congress.
The Arizona Democrat spoke out steadily denouncing the Trump administration’s deportation insurance policies because the son of Mexican immigrants and railed harshly towards the cuts to the federal workforce.
“President Trump’s latest reckless decision to fire thousands of employees at the Department of Education jeopardizes critical student aid programs, weakens protections for students’ civil rights, and undermines essential support for students with disabilities,” the lawmaker wrote in a Thursday publish on the social platform X earlier than his passing.
In 2017, Grijalva and a Democratic colleague had been arrested exterior Trump Tower throughout immigration-related protests.
Along with immigration advocacy, he was additionally a powerful supporter of local weather justice laws.
“From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices,” his workplace wrote in a press release.
“He led the charge for historic investments in climate action, port of entry modernization, permanent funding for land and water conservation programs, access to health care for tribal communities and the uninsured, fairness for immigrant families and Dreamers, student loan forgiveness, stronger protections for farmers and workers exposed to extreme heat, early childhood education expansion, higher standards for tribal consultation, and so much more.”
Workplace workers have promised to hold out his life’s mission regardless of his passing.
“We are heartbroken in the face of this news but determined to carry on his legacy. While the special election is being carried out, our office will continue to provide constituent services,” their assertion mentioned.
“Serving Southern Arizona was the distinction of Raúl M. Grijalva’s life. Having represented our communities for over 50 years was a privilege.”
