Ed Pastor, Arizona’s first Hispanic congressman, dies at 75

PHOENIX — Former U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor died on Tuesday, his daughter and Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor announced in a statement. He was 75.

“Congressman Pastor will be remembered for his commitment to his family, and his legacy of service to the community that he loved, the state of Arizona and the nation,” part of the statement read.

Pastor served in U.S. Congress for more than 20 years, representing Arizona’s 2nd and 7th congressional districts between 1991 and 2015.

He was the first Mexican-American from Arizona elected to Congress. Pastor was elected to former U.S. Rep. Mo Udall’s seat in a special election.

Pastor also served as a member of the Board of Supervisors for Maricopa County.

Pastor’s wife, Verma, thanked the first responders from Phoenix Fire Station 9 and the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center for caring for Pastor “in the final moments of his life.

“At this time, the Pastor family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and leader,” part of the statement read.

The statement did not disclose Pastor’s cause of death, but Ronnie Lopez, a longtime friend of Pastor and finance director of all of his campaigns, said he had a heart attack while dining at a restaurant with his wife.

Several Arizona lawmakers offered their condolences on Twitter on Wednesday.

So sorry to learn of the passing of former Rep. Ed Pastor. I had the privilege of serving with Ed for more than a decade. There was no one more capable, hardworking and kind. Arizona is a far better place because of Ed Pastor.

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 28, 2018

Before that, Congressman Pastor served 3 terms as a Maricopa Co. Supervisor, as an aide to Gov. Raul Castro, in numerous community roles, and as a high school chemistry teacher. The first in his family to graduate from college, he earned both a B.A. and law degree from ASU. (2/3)

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) November 28, 2018

My deepest sympathies go out to Congressman Pastor’s family and loved ones. In honor of his life of service, I will order flags across the state be lowered to half-staff in recognition of the long-lasting impact he will leave on Arizona. (3/3)

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) November 28, 2018

In Congress, I watched him work – always quietly, always behind the scenes, & always to win. He did so much for AZ, more than most of us will ever know – because he did it without fanfare or fuss. He just, day in and day out, delivered for our state. I will miss him tremendously.

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) November 28, 2018

My condolences to the Pastor family. Rep Pastor was a dear friend of my father and of course my husband and I. God bless Ed. May you Rest In Peace.

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) November 28, 2018

Ed Pastor's life personified selfless public service and doing good for others. pic.twitter.com/LPdup3qrHn

— Greg Stanton (@gregstantonaz) November 28, 2018

My prayers and appreciation go out to the Pastor family. They broke the mold with Ed Pastor. pic.twitter.com/oOKAEpQKxs

— Ann Kirkpatrick (@Ann_Kirkpatrick) November 28, 2018

I'm saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Ed Pastor. He was proud of his heritage and the people he served. He was a true spirit of a gentleman, he included me and took the time to talk, to say hi, to smile and to laugh.

— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) November 28, 2018

Congressman Ed Pastor, Arizona’s first Hispanic member of Congress, was a true public servant who spent decades working on behalf of Arizonans. His service to our state and our nation will never be forgotten. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) November 28, 2018

Deepest condolences to former Maricopa County Supervisor/ Congressman Ed Pastor's family. Chatted briefly with him just a few weeks ago. A gracious public servant. Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

— Bill Montgomery (@Veritas_ad_res) November 28, 2018

The @CityofPhoenixAZ pays tribute to former U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor’s many years of service to Phoenix, Arizona & the U.S. He served as Chair of Transportation 2050 (T2050). A pedestrian bridge over McDowell Road & the South Phoenix Transit Center are named & dedicated in his honor. pic.twitter.com/fGTjecMz7F

— City of Phoenix, AZ (@CityofPhoenixAZ) November 28, 2018

"I am very proud of the progress that has occurred w/ transit in AZ, grateful for the opportunity to support it.” Congressman Pastor, we are grateful for you + your life of public service. #ourtransitchampion pic.twitter.com/lksFidwQcj

— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) November 28, 2018

“Congressman Pastor dedicated his career to protecting the civil rights of every American and making the American Dream accessible to everyone, including the most vulnerable in our society,” U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, who currently serves in Pastor’s old seat, said in a statement.

“His legacy will live on in the transportation projects he championed, the legislation he authored, the working families he helped, and a generation he inspired.”

U.S. Rep. David Schweikert said Pastor was a necessary aspect for lawmakers who needed bipartisanship.

“When we needed something bipartisan done, he was the first person we went to because he saw what was good for Arizona and what was good for the Hispanic community,” he said.

Arizona state Sen. Martin Quezada, who worked on Pastor’s campaign, called the late congressman an icon for the Latino community in Arizona.

“He was an iconic figure. He was very genuine, he was a very funny guy but you could tell that he knew exactly what he was doing,” Quezada told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

“He was very confident in everything he did and it showed in the way that he interacted with people and they way they interacted with them.”

Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams said in a statement that “Phoenix is a better city” because of Pastor.

“For years, he was our greatest champion in Congress, delivering the help we needed to make light rail a reality, make Sky Harbor one of the best airports in the nation and so much more,” Williams said.

“His legacy is all around us and also lives on through his two daughters, who followed in his footsteps by leading lives of public service.”

Phoenix city Councilman Sal DiCiccio said in a statement that Pastor’s “accomplishments will carry forward far beyond his lifetime.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jeremy Foster and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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