Condolences have been rolling in through social media following the death of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva.
Daughter Adelita S. Grijalva:
"My dad has said 'it's all about the love' for as long as I can remember. I remember watching him give speeches as a little girl and was just so impressed by him - a feeling that has never changed. I don't know anyone who ever wanted to speak after Raúl Grijalva did. He dedicated over 50 years of his life to speaking up for those who couldn't speak for themselves. He is the smartest person I'll ever know - a fighter until the end. He loved his family, especially those grandbabies, and this community. He was not a perfect person, but had perfect intentions and wanted to do good. It's been my honor to be Raúl Grijalva's daughter - a badge I wear with immense pride. There's so much more I can say, I could write novels about my Dad. For now, I will just say thank you for being my Dad and for showing this world what the son of a bracero and kid from Sunnyside can do when they work hard and dream big. I love you too much Daddie and I will miss you every day of my life.
Love,
Your kid"
Ariz. Sen. Ruben Gallego:
“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. In Congress, I was proud to see firsthand his leadership as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee as he stood up for Arizona’s water rights, natural beauty, and Tribes. I am praying for his family during this time of grief, and I hope that they find comfort knowing his legacy is one that will stand tall for generations.”
Ariz. Sen. Mark Kelly:
"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 there for @gabbygiffords
and our family after she was shot. We are thinking of his family, his team, and everybody who looked up to him."
KGUN 9 REMEMBERS REP. GRIJALVA'S LIFE IN PUBLIC SERVICE:
Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani:
Arizonans today lost a dedicated public servant. Raul was a fearless champion of the causes he believed in and he never forgot where he came from. While we often disagreed about public policy, he welcomed me into our congressional delegation warmly and always treated me with respect and dignity. Laura and I are praying for his wife Ramona, his 3 children, and all of his family and friends during this difficult time.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero:
I am devastated to hear of the passing of my mentor, my friend, and our Congressman, Representative Raul Grijalva. His lifetime of service to Tucson, Southern Arizona and our nation will never be forgotten. Because of Representative Grijalva, we have cleaner water and air, more rights for ourselves and our children and many more public lands protected.
Whether he was speaking at a neighborhood event, marching for civil rights, speaking against the erosion of our democratic values or joking with us in the backyard, he led with his principles and courage. To his family, you have our deepest love and support. To our community, let's honor Congressman Grijalva's memory and service. It's all about the love, my friend. Rest in Peace.
Ariz. Gov. Katie Hobbs:
“I am devastated by the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva and my heart is with his family and loved ones. He was a true champion for the people of our state. For over two decades, he was a fierce advocate for his constituents and a fighter to uplift Arizona’s most vulnerable communities, with a steadfast focus on ensuring justice for all. During his years of service, Congressman Grijalva worked tirelessly to protect our environment, expand health care to countless Arizonans, respect tribal sovereignty, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 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. May he rest in peace.”
Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords:
"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 support.
Our country and Arizona are better for his service."
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego:
"I'm saddened by Representative Raul M. Grijalva'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."
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders:
"I mourn the death of Rep. Raúl Grijalva, a former colleague of mine and one of the most progressive members of the U.S. House. Raúl was a fighter for working families throughout his entire life. He will be sorely missed."
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez:
"A genuinely devastating loss.
Raúl Grijalva stood as one of the biggest champions for working people in all of Congress.
His leadership was singular. He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment."
California Rep. Nancy Pelosi:
"Raúl Grijalva was a fighter for the unseen — first as a community organizer and local official, and later as a champion of his beloved Arizona for more than two decades in Congress. He was a deeply respected Member and will be missed dearly by all of us in the Democratic Caucus."
Tucson City Council Member Kevin Dahl:
"I am so sorry to report the passing of Rep. Grijalva. I will ever be indebted for his leadership, support of the environment and people, and personally for all that he taught me. All the best to his family, and to the larger family of Grijalvistas."
Pima County Facebook Page:
"A giant of our community has passed from our midst. Pima County is grieving at the sad news that U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva has died.
Since he was a young man in his 20s to the day he passed, he worked in service to the people of Pima County, Southern Arizona, and the nation. He spent more than 50 years as the people’s elected representative for the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD), the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and the United States Congress. His legacy and his accomplishments will last for ages.
We in Pima County offer our deepest sympathies to the Grijalva family and the innumerable people throughout Arizona and the country who called him friend. Rest in peace, you wonderful man."
Tucson Unified School District Facebook page:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva, a dedicated advocate for education and a former member of the TUSD Governing Board. His lifelong commitment to public service and equity in education has left a lasting impact on our community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were inspired by his leadership."
Arizona House Democratic Leadership Team:
"Raúl Grijalva is the quintessential Arizona story. The son of migrant Mexican Bracero laborers, in a single generation he transformed himself into one of our state's most outspoken, impactful, and longest-serving leaders. He succeeded through education, determination, and his inexhaustible drive to help and serve communities in need, and he showed countless others how to do it as well. His beloved Tucson and communities throughout Arizona will dearly miss the progressive heartbeat of our Congress and the fiercest protector of our wildlands, air, and water. Our Caucus gives our deepest condolences to Congressman Grijalva's incredible family and many loved ones during this heartbreakingly difficult time."
Pima County Democratic Party:
"For Raul Grijalva
We stand in solemn gratitude to honor the life and legacy of Raul Grijalva. His voice was resolute and unwavering and Arizona was blessed by his service in Congress for over two decades.
From his days as a student activist to his tenure on the Tucson Unified School District board, Raul lived his dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and civil rights.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, he established himself as a progressive force, leading the Congressional Progressive Caucus and tirelessly advocating for public lands, Indigenous rights, immigration reform, and the working families of Arizona.
Raul’s political arc was defined not by ambition but by purpose. He was a public servant who understood that leadership is measured not in titles held, but in lives uplifted. His efforts shaped policy and protected the land.
Providence demands us bid farewell to our friend, but Arizona’s appreciation for Raul Grijalva is undying - his work endures. His spirit is on our landscapes, our communities, and in the hearts of all who believe in a more just and compassionate world.
We speak across the void in faith - Rest in power, Congressman Grijalva. Arizona will never forget."
Pima County Democratic Party Chair, Eric Robbins:
"It would be hard to look at any place in southern Arizona, where he has not had his impact… across Indigenous communities across the environment across the growth of Tucson and its communities and civil rights, which you can't see, but we certainly see the lack of especially in times like this, somebody like Raul Grijalva, who had such an impact over decades for our community, cannot possibly be replaced”
U of A Police & Office of Public Safety:
"We join the community in mourning the loss of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. His unwavering commitment to his constituents and tireless work has left an indelible mark on our Wildcat community. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and colleagues."
Pima County Sheriff's Department:
"The Pima County Sheriff's Department extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Congressman Raúl Grijalva on his passing. His service to our community and state will never be forgotten."
Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:
"Today, we mourn the loss of a true public servant. Congressman Raúl Grijalva dedicated his life to fighting for Southern Arizona, championing equity, education, and the well-being of our communities. His impact is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations.
We mourn for him, his family, and the countless lives he touched. His voice was one of unwavering commitment, and though he may be gone, his work will live on in the communities he so passionately served.
Rest in peace, Congressman. Thank you for everything."
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren:
"I would like to take a moment to honor the life and legacy of the late Representative Raúl Grijalva, who passed at the age of 77. There are truly no words that can capture the deep gratitude I feel for his tireless efforts on behalf of the tribal communities across Arizona. He was a champion who answered the call of those who had often been overlooked and unheard. In a world where such calls can be easy to ignore, Rep. Grijalva was always there to lift those voices.
For this, I extend my deepest thanks to his family. I know he faced an illness that has touched many, and yet, even while battling cancer, Rep. Grijalva remained a steadfast advocate for our tribal nations, the state of Arizona, and the broader Southwest. His leadership was unwavering.
Rep. Grijalva was instrumental in protecting sacred lands, including his advocacy for the Grand Canyon, and in co-sponsoring the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement, will ensure a future with water for our tribe. His commitment to elevating the voices of those often unheard was unparalleled, and I am both proud and honored to have worked alongside him, witnessing firsthand the true essence of leadership.
As I continue my own journey in leadership, I will carry with me the inspiration of our nation's greatest leaders, now including Rep. Grijalva. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and I pray that the holy people provide them with comfort during this difficult time."
Pima County Attorney's Office:
"All of us at the Pima County Attorney’s Office are saddened by the passing of U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva today.
Congressman Grijalva represented the 7th Congressional District of Arizona for more than 20 years, but he represented all of Tucson and Pima County in so many ways over the long course of his public life.
He helped shape education in our community through his service on the Tucson Unified School District Board, protected our values, our environment, and our quality of life during his long tenure on the Pima County Board of Supervisors before winning a seat in Congress.
In Congress, he fought to protect our natural resources, stood up for the culture and heritage of our people and fought for justice.
While he will most assuredly be missed, his legacy will live on in Southern Arizona. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grijalva family during this difficult time."
