Colleagues, environmentalists and more offer condolences after Rep. Grijalva's passing

This is a developing story and statements will be added as they come in.

Condolences and memories continue to pour in after an announcement that longtime Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva died due to complications from cancer treatment.

A notable reaction came from his daughter, Adelita Grijalva, who has followed in her father's footsteps, first serving on the Tucson Unified School District Board, then the Pima County Board of Supervisors.

“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”

As did Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who is married to Grijalva's longtime district director, Ruben Reyes.

“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.”

The Tucson area's other U.S. House representative, Juan Ciscomani, offered his condolences.

“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.”

As did a former representative of the Tucson area, Gabrielle Giffords.

“Mark and I were devastated to learn that our longtime friend, and my mentor, Raúl Grijalva passed away today after a battle with cancer,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “When I was first elected to Congress, Raúl showed me the ropes, and helped me navigate Washington. Throughout the years, and after I was shot, his friendship and wisdom were a constant source of support. Raúl loved Arizona and its people, and always fought to protect them and our state’s natural resources. Raúl could and did talk to anyone, with empathy and genuine interest in the people he served. Our country and Arizona are better for it. My thoughts are with his wife Ramona, their three daughters, his staff, and his constituents.”

The aforementioned Mark is Giffords' husband and current U.S. Senator from Arizona, who also offered his own statement on X.

"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."

Arizona's junior U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego also offered his thoughts in a media release.

“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.”

Environmental groups also offered reactions to the passing of Grijalva, a longtime environmental champion, who at one point was the chair of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.

“Congressman Grijalva was a champion for the climate and environmental justice," said a media release from the Environmental Defense Fund. "He was a strong and powerful chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and Congressional Progressive Caucus, consistently demonstrating thoughtful, conscientious leadership. His emphasis on community engagement has now become a central tenet of environmental work."

“Raúl’s death is a heartbreaking, devastating loss for the people of southern Arizona and everyone around this nation who loves the natural world,” said Kierán Suckling, executive director and founder of the Center for Biological Diversity, in a statement. “Raúl was a great friend and partner in our fight for clean air and water, our beautiful public lands, and wildlife great and small. We can all look to him as the model of what every member of Congress and every person of dignity and hope should aspire to be.”

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Grijalva, a true public servant with a passion and love for the Natural Resources Committee," said the committee's current chair, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR). "Raúl had respect for and a sincere commitment to the Americans we serve. I’m grateful for the leadership he brought to our committee during his years as chairman and ranking member, and my prayers are with his loved ones."

Members of Arizona's tribal nations have also offered their thoughts and condolences for Grijalva, who represented an area with significant tribal ties.

"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," said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren in a written statement. "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."

"The lesson I remember is his kindness, his willingness to talk to even Republicans and other leaders and unite us all together to find a common ground, to protect the land, the waters, especially the Grand Canyon, for future generations, his kindness was what really impacted me and many leaders," said Carletta Tilousi, a former Havasupai Tribal Councilwoman. She worked with Grijalva on the creation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon. "I was very proud of Representative Raul Grijalva for continuing this work, even though there were times when we lost and we just regrouped, and he brought us all back to the table, and we created a plan with the tribal leaders, and it all fell into place. And that was something that was so dear to his heart, he really wanted to protect the waters and the Grand Canyon for all future generations. And again. You know, it's a great loss for all of Indian country. Here in the state of Arizona, including across the nation, we lost a very strong advocate and a voice and a great leader for our country."

Elected officials at the statewide and local level also offered condolences.

“It’s just hard to even think of a time when Raul was not a leader in the community. What was always amazing to me is how Raul cared about the people of PIma County and the people of this country so very much. I think I’m not sure I ever heard him use words about ‘I’ or ‘me’ but he was always talking about us and giving credit to other people and focusing on the people of his district. It wasn’t about what he needed or wanted, it was about what he could do for the people he represented. I think I would listen to him at events and realize he was a progressive, but he had this incredible common sense part of his soul in that he might be talking theoretically about an issue, but he wanted to make sure that we understood how it might impact the lives of an older lady on the south side. What was the real implication to the people that he represented of some high-falutin policy he could bring everything home for the people,” said Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher.

"I am devastated by the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva and my heart is with his family and loved ones," said Gov. Katie Hobbs on X. "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."

"AZ lost a giant today," said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. "Congressman Raul Grijalva dedicated his life to fighting for the people of Arizona. From standing up for working families, Indigenous communities, and clean air and water — Raul leaves a legacy that is unmatched. I am thinking of his family and loved ones."

"Congressman Grijalva was a dedicated public servant, family man, and community activist," said the Arizona Senate Democratic Caucus in a joint statement. "His commitment to continuing the fight for civil rights, for women's rights, for environmental protections, and for the next generation of Arizonans has inspired a generation of new leaders to continue his legacy.

As the son of a bracero—a guest worker who emigrated from Mexico to Tucson—Grijalva understood intimately that what makes this nation great is the people that show up and fight for their neighbors. He took that fight to Congress and never wavered in his belief that we could achieve a better, more equitable future for all."

The statement concluded by adding condolences to his wife and daughters.