Home Pure Assets Committee Rating Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) will not search to stay the highest Democrat on the panel, deciding to go away the slot he has held since 2019 amid well being considerations and a problem from Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.).
“After much thought, I have decided that it is the right moment to pass the torch as top Democrat on the House Natural Resource Committee for the 119th Congress. I do not make this decision lightly, as being elected Ranking Member stands as the honor of my professional career,” Grijalva stated in an announcement on Monday.
“I will continue to focus on improving my health, strengthening my mobility, and serving my district in what is likely to be a time of unprecedented challenge for our community.”
Grijalva introduced an unspecified most cancers prognosis in April and had an prolonged absence from the Capitol as he underwent therapy. He had additionally stated that his subsequent time period, which can be his twelfth, can be his final, and that he won’t search reelection in 2026.
Earlier than Grijalva bowed out, nonetheless, Huffman in November had introduced a bid to be the rating member on the Pure Assets panel.
In a letter asserting his bid, Huffman referred to as on the committee’s Democrats to call Grijalva as “Ranking Member Emeritus.”
“I would look to him as a key partner in guiding the Committee through the challenges and opportunities of the next two years,” Huffman stated within the letter.
Grijalva didn’t endorse Huffman as a successor in his assertion.
“I am so deeply proud of the progress that my colleagues and I have achieved in protecting our nation’s rich natural and cultural heritage, advancing justice for communities overburdened by pollution, elevating Indigenous voices and honoring tribal sovereignty, fighting for the decolonization of the U.S. territories, and securing a cleaner, safer climate and energy future for all Americans,” Grijalva stated within the assertion.
