PHOENIX (AP) 鈥� U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and a slew of members of Congress were among those paying tribute to Arizona Democratic U.S. Rep. on Thursday after the at age 77.
鈥淐ongressman 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鈥檚 water rights, natural beauty, and Tribes." 鈥� U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, posted on X.
鈥淭here 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 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.鈥� 鈥� Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren on X.
鈥淎Z lost a giant today. Congressman Raul Grijalva dedicated his life to fighting for the people of Arizona. From standing up for working families, Indigenous communities, and 鈥� Raul leaves a legacy that is unmatched.鈥� 鈥� Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, on X.
鈥淩epresentative Grijalva was a dedicated public servant who served his community and country for decades. He fought hard for fair immigration policies and to tackle the climate crisis our generation is facing. His passing leaves a huge void in Southern Arizona and beyond.鈥� 鈥� Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, a Democrat, in a statement.
鈥淭he Congressman was always very kind to me 鈥� he had a great sense of humor. As a fellow animal lover, we often found ourselves working together on animal protection issues. To his daughters Adelita, Raquel, and Marisa, and his wife, Ramona, I send my deepest condolences.鈥� 鈥� U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, a Republican from Arizona, on X.
鈥淚 am heartbroken by the news of Congressman Raul Grijalva鈥檚 passing. For climate justice, economic justice, health justice 鈥� Raul fought fearlessly for change. We served a decade together on the Natural Resources Committee, and I will forever be grateful for his leadership and partnership.鈥� 鈥� U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, on X.
鈥淚 had the privilege of working alongside him on matters impacting Puerto Rico, and while we often approached issues from different perspectives, his passion for service and his respect for dialogue were undeniable.鈥� 鈥� Jenniffer Gonz谩lez, governor of Puerto Rico, on X.
鈥淒eeply saddened by the passing of my friend Ra煤l Grijalva. A true champion for Arizona, our and working people. His leadership, kindness, and fight for justice will be deeply missed by many.鈥� 鈥� U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts, on X.
鈥淚鈥檓 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.鈥� 鈥� U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat from Arizona, in a statement.
"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." 鈥� Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, a Democrat, in a statement.
"I am devastated by the loss of Representative Ra煤l 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." 鈥� Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, on X.
"Congressman Grijalva was a kind man and a leader who listened. He received social justice advocates in his offices with open arms and treated us with the familiarity of a grandpa鈥ommending us for our efforts, giving us advice and encouraging our advocacy. This is a sad day. We have lost an elder but gained an ancestor. May he rest in power." 鈥� Chispa Arizona Executive Director Vianey Olivarr铆a in a statement.
鈥淗ouse members are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Raul Grijalva, who served his constituents faithfully in Congress for more than two decades. Our prayers are with Raul鈥檚 wife, Ramona, his three children, and the people of Arizona鈥檚 7th district.鈥� 鈥� U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, on X.
鈥淗is leadership was singular. He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment.鈥� 鈥� U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, on X.
"One of Ra煤l's favorite songs was 鈥楨l Rey,鈥� and in particular the line that says 鈥榥o hay que llegar primero, pero hay que saber llegar鈥� 鈥� "it's not only about getting there first, but about how you get there." I think this phrase perfectly describes his tenacity in everything he did." 鈥� U.S. Rep. Jes煤s G. 鈥淐huy鈥� Garc铆a, a Democrat from Illinois, on X.
鈥淕rijalva鈥檚 legacy includes his critical work with the late Representative Donald McEachin to draft the groundbreaking Environmental Justice for All Act, an instrumental bill confronting the legacy of environmental racism that disproportionately impacts communities of color and low wealth. We are forever grateful for Representative Grijalva鈥檚 historic leadership.鈥� 鈥� League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski in a statement.
The Associated Press
