Former Arizona state Sen. Olivia Cajero Bedford of Tucson dies

PHOENIX — Former Arizona state Sen. Olivia Cajero Bedford has died at the age of 83, according to an announcement made on the Senate floor on Thursday.

Bedford, of Tucson, served in the state House from 2003-10 and the state Senate from 2011-18.

She grew up in a political family as both her parents represented southern Arizonans at the state Capitol for 28 years, according to Bedford’s biography page.

“Senator Olivia Cajero Bedford embodied strength, perseverance and sophistication,” Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a press release. “Like her parents, she believed in the value of public service and was committed to ensuring the people of her southern Arizona district were well represented.

“Our deepest condolences are with Senator Cajero Bedford’s family, friends, community members and colleagues at the legislature.”

Ducey in honor of Bedford ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on Friday at all state buildings from sunrise to sunset.

Arizona representatives reacted to her death on Twitter.

I’m saddened to hear of former State Senator and Representative Olivia Cajero Bedford’s passing. Olivia was a dear friend and fierce advocate with whom I was honored to serve in the state legislature. We’ll forever be grateful for her leadership. https://t.co/hOGg1Bz6RN

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) February 11, 2022

I am sad to hear of the passing of former State Senator and Representative, Olivia Cajero Bedford who served the people of District 3 with dedication and passion. Her commitment to issues like healthcare for all and protecting children and families will always be remembered. https://t.co/Buf5X0aMcC

— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) February 11, 2022

Saddened to learn about the passing of our dear friend, Senator Olivia Cajero Bedford. Olivia worked tirelessly to advocate for Southern Arizona during her near 20 years in the legislature. She made us proud, she always showed up, and she was fearless. May she rest in power. pic.twitter.com/qYTSZ7O5mJ

— Representative Andrés Cano (@AndresCanoAZ) February 10, 2022

Such sad news. RIP Sen. Cajero Bedford. https://t.co/x7UDYyfzHc

— Jennifer Jermaine (@JennJermaine) February 10, 2022

Incredibly sad news. Rep Cajero Bedford was a dynamic leader and she will be missed. https://t.co/yqANyGUR9E

— Rep. Jennifer Longdon (@JenLongdon) February 10, 2022

Saddened by the loss of a pillar for Southern Arizona politics. https://t.co/PMfVtUZX1M

— César N. Chávez (@CesarChavezAZ) February 10, 2022

I was just made aware of the passing of a great legend Olivia Cajero Bedford. We met when I was 14 she was my mentor in @WomenInGovt. She will be greatly missed. Her legacy in LD3 & commitment to our community will never be forgotten. May her memory forever be a blessing 💙 pic.twitter.com/Y59vwJxkcU

— (((Rep.Alma Hernandez,MPH)))💉😷 (@almaforarizona) February 11, 2022

Bedford prior to joining the state legislature was a business owner and a director of sales and marketing for the tourism and hotel industry, according to her biography page.

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