Grijalva said last year that he would not be reelected in 2026 while he was being treated for cancer.
Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) passed away on March 13th and left a legacy of over 20 years with the Arizona Legislature delegation.
“From permanent protection of the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening affordable care laws, his proudest moments in Congress have always been led by the voice of the community,” the statement said.
“(Girjalva’s Push) new life for new parks, childcare centers, healthcare clinics, local businesses and affordable housing is bringing new life to our southern Arizona neighborhoods. Improvements to our roads, bridges and tram systems have improved our daily lives and attracted new businesses and industries to the area.”
Grijalva, 77, was a ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee after serving as chair before 2019-2023. He was also co-chair of the Council’s Progressive Association for 10 years.
On Thursday, the Congressional Progressive Caucus honored Grijalva at the annual House Democrat retreat in Leesburg, Virginia.
“Today we lament the loss of Rep. Grillarva, the giant of the home and progressive movement,” said Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), the current chairman of the Caucus.
“We’ll miss him deeply. I know Arizonans are in mourning, and our thoughts are really with his family.”
As a young Latino in politics, Kasar said there were not many Latinx progressives like Grijalva at the national level at the time, and he was proud to respect the House members.
Parliament Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), former chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, recounted the time when Grijalva handed her a torch at the end of his term as co-chair of the Caucus.
“He said it was very important because we already have people fighting in the movement. And I said, ‘Well, we’re just following your path, Raul,'” she said. “There was no need to wonder where Grijalva was in the critical vote. He was always going to replace people.”
House Democrats have lost another member, Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), who died last week from health issues.
Grijalva, known for defending environmental causes, said in October 2024 that she would not be reelection next year while undergoing cancer treatment.
Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the minority, said that after Grijalva’s death, Congress and the nation “lost the giant.”
“Rep. Grillarva has represented his community vigorously and placed his members and the climate at the heart of everything he did,” Jeffries said in a statement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
