PIMA COUNTY (March 17, 2025) -- County officials are joining constituents throughout Southern Arizona in mourning the death of Congressman Raúl Grijalva, who died March 13 after battling cancer. He was 77.
Grijalva’s ties to Pima County ran deep. He spent his early childhood at Historic Canoa Ranch in Green Valley where his father worked as a bracero. The congressman played a key role in working with County Administration to preserve the majority of Canoa’s 6,000-acre parcel for conservation. Today, the ranch is home to several restored buildings, a lake, walking trails and a riparian area popular with birders, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs.
Grijalva’s daughter, Adelita, now serves in his seat, representing District 5.
Upon news of Grijalva’s death, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff through sunset on March 14.
Here's what friends, family, and colleagues are saying about the 12-term congressman:
Pima County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair 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.
Board of Supervisors Chair Rex Scott
My family and I join the entire Southern Arizona community in mourning the loss of one of our region’s most significant leaders, Congressman Raúl Grijalva. As a school board member, county supervisor and member of the US Congress, he could always be counted on to be an advocate for the people who needed his help the most, especially our children. For his entire life, Raúl Grijalva exemplified the values of love, justice, service and compassion. He was someone I deeply admired, and all of his accomplishments have made Southern Arizona better and stronger in many ways.
Supervisor Jennifer Allen, District 3
It's hard to even imagine what southern Arizona would look like without Raúl Grijalva. As a champion for immigrant families, Indigenous communities, labor, the Sonoran Desert, education, and more, his impact spans 50 years and will endure for generations to come. I will always remember him for doing the right thing even when it was the hard thing; and for standing up for those among us who are pushed to margins. I'm proud to be a better fighter for what is right because of him. My heart goes out to Mona, Adelita, Raquel and Marisa and all the Grijalva family as well as everyone (and there are so many) who called him friend.
Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher
If you’re in Pima County for five minutes or 50 years, you are benefitting from something done by Raúl Grijalva. Neighborhood centers, schools, open space, jobs have all been made better by Raúl. How can we ever thank him for spending his entire life fighting for us?
It’s not lost on me that we’ve lost Raúl in the same month that we celebrate the contributions of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. We stand on the shoulders of these brave individuals and draw inspiration from them every day.
God bless you and keep you, Congressman. Thank you for all you’ve done for Southern Arizona and for inspiring all of us to do better.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero
I am devastated to hear of the passing of my mentor, my friend, and our Congressman, Representative Raúl 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.
Pima County Attorney’s Office
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.
Former District 4 Supervisor Ray Carroll
Our community has lost a friend and a great leader. I, along with thousands of my neighbors, mourn the death of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. I send condolences from my family to his and sincere love and appreciation for his career and friendship. We will keep his family in our prayers.
Former District 1 Supervisor Mike Boyd
Even though we represented opposing parties, and I was in the minority on the Board of Supervisors, Raúl helped elect me Chair. On the big issues, we were always able to work together to find common ground and do what was best for Pima County. Rest in peace, my friend. I will miss you.
Former District 2 Supervisor Dan Eckstrom
Raúl was always a true warrior and valiant defender of the rights of working people and their families. He supported many progressive causes and as a dedicated environmentalist he is fully credited with such meaningful achievements, including the development and approval of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, which is one of his historic legacies in Pima County.
I was so very proud to join him in his strong advocacy and support of Kino Community Hospital, as well as in the funding of many general obligation bond issues supporting neighborhood revitalization and community development projects in the inner city and also in the most-needy rural communities. Without his support and advocacy all the current improvements in the vicinity of the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium would have never been accomplished.
In 2001, I was proud to join with him in being the first Arizona county to approve a paid Cesar Chavez Holiday for our employees. There were many countless other achievements that he supported but none was greater than in 1994, when he led the effort, and I joined him, for Pima County to sue the Arizona Medicaid Program (AHCCS) in a case that victoriously went to the Arizona State Supreme Court to enable a woman patient and a District 5 resident who happened to be over the age of 21 to receive a much needed heart transplant, which was previously not allowed. These activities only scratch the surface in accurately describing his tremendous, remarkable and most dedicated public service.
U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani
Arizonans today lost a dedicated public servant. Raúl 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.
U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego
Sydney and I are saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Rep. Raúl Grijalva. He was a champion for those in need and dedicated his life to fighting for all Arizonans. He will be missed.
Arizona Governor 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.
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly
Today, Arizona lost a champion.
Raúl 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 (Gabby Giffords) and our family after she was shot.
We are thinking of his family, his team, and everybody who looked up to him.
Former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
Mark and I were devastated to learn that our longtime friend Raúl Grijalva passed away. Raúl was also a mentor to me, when I was first elected to Congress, Raúl showed me the ropes. Throughout the years, and after I was shot, his friendship and wisdom were a constant source of support.
U.S. Congressman and former Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton
Raúl never lost sight of the values he learned as a young community organizer, tirelessly advocating for immigrant families, education, and social justice. But perhaps his biggest accomplishment is his mentorship of a generation of young people in Southern Arizona.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama
For more than two decades in Congress, Raúl Grijalva was a fierce advocate for the environment and putting quality, affordable health care within reach for more Americans. Arizonans could not have asked for a better voice in Washington, and our thoughts are with Raúl’s family and everyone who loved him.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden
Jill and I are saddened by the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. He will be remembered for tirelessly standing up for working families and protecting our environment. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.
U.S. Senator 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.
U.S. Congresswoman 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.
U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro
Raúl Grijalva was a giant in Congress. He was a legend of Mexican-American activism, known across the country for protecting our national parks and being a voice for all communities. He was a kind and brilliant man, and he will be so missed.