Arizona politicians react to Arizona Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva’s passing

PHOENIX — Several Arizona politicians reacted to the news of longtime Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva passing away from cancer on Thursday.

Grijalva died on Thursday morning due to complications from his cancer treatments, according to a news release.

Grijalva represented Arizona’s 7th Congressional District and had served in the U.S. House since 2002.

Top Arizona politicians react to Grijalva’s passing

Arizona Rep. Yassamin Ansari was among the first in the state to release a statement on X after Grijalva’s passing.

She called Grijalva a champion for Indigenous communities and a fighter for Arizonans.

I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my colleague Raul Grijalva. He was a fighter for Arizonans and a champion for Indigenous communities and our planet. We will all miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family, friends, loved ones, and constituents.

— Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) March 13, 2025

Senator Ruben Gallego paid tribute to Grijalva after his passing. He called the representative a friend and a role model for young people.

Congressman Grijalva was not just my colleague, but my friend. As another Latino working in public service, I can say from experience that he served as a role model to many young people across the Grand Canyon State. He spent his life as a voice for equality.

I am praying for…

— Senator Ruben Gallego (@SenRubenGallego) March 13, 2025

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton paid tribute to Grijalva and thanked him for his work in the state.

Heartbroken by the passing of my friend and colleague Raúl Grijalva. pic.twitter.com/bsc7VAjnFI

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) March 13, 2025

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego honored Grijalva, saying his passing will leave a void in Arizona.

I’m saddened by @RepRaulGrijalva‘s passing. He was a fierce advocate for his constituents, a defender of our natural resources, and a champion for climate action. His passing leaves a void in Arizona and beyond. My condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/Y0Ju5TJuDo

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) March 13, 2025

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also paid tribute to Grijalva and said he was a leader who put everyday people first while he was in office.

I am devastated by the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva and my heart is with his family and loved ones. To his last day, he remained a servant leader who put everyday people first while in office. I join every Arizonan in mourning his passing. https://t.co/8jTSzdUXxZ

— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) March 13, 2025

Senator Mark Kelly thanked Grijalva for his work in the state, as well as his support to him and his wife, former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, following an assassination attempt in 2011 that left her seriously injured.

Today, Arizona lost a champion.

Raul Grijalva served Southern Arizona for decades. He fought for the rights and well-being of all Arizonans, especially those who needed a hand. He led the charge to protect our environment and the Grand Canyon for future generations. And he was… https://t.co/CqDyKUAxTD

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) March 13, 2025

Giffords also thanked Grijalva for the support and called him a mentor when she began her time as a state representative in 2007.

Mark and I were devastated to learn that our longtime friend Raul Grijalva passed away. Raul was also a mentor to me, when I was first elected to Congress, Raul showed me the ropes. Throughout the years, and after I was shot, his friendship and wisdom were a constant source of…

— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) March 13, 2025

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