Raul Grijalva passes at 77

 From NBC News -

Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona dies at 77

Longtime Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., died Thursday from “complications of his cancer treatment,” his office announced in a statement. He was 77.

Grijalva, who served in the House for more than 20 years, was elected to Congress in 2002. He was chair of the Natural Resources Committee and most recently was the top Democrat on the committee. He also was one of the leading progressive voices on Capitol Hill, and he was the longest-serving co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, from 2009 to 2019.

From the AZ House Democrats (the entire statement is one paragraph, so I'll quote the entire statement) -

 "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."

From KPNX (Phoenix Channel 12) -

[snip]

The Arizona State Senate Democratic Caucus responded by saying in part:

"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 Maricopa County Democratic Party honored Gijalva saying: 

"For over two decades, Congressman Grijalva served Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District with unwavering dedication and courage. From fighting for environmental justice to standing up for immigrant rights, his leadership will not be forgotten by our state nor our nation. He showed us that true leadership means not just speaking up—but listening and taking action."

Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia released a statement on Grijalva's passing that said:

"Arizona educators lost a true champion and ally today. Congressman Grijalva has been committed to progressive change and a fighter for public school educators his entire career. 

From his first elected position on Tucson United School Board to his role on the U.S. Committee on Education & the Workforce, Congressman Grijalva has advocated and fought on behalf of better, safer schools for our students, and better pay and support for our educators. 

I'm saddened by today's news, and I send all the love and support to Congressman Grijalva's family. I'm proud to say I was a friend of Raúl."

From Congressman Greg Stanton -

“Congressman Raúl Grijalva will be rightly remembered as one of the most consequential leaders in Arizona political history.

He dedicated his life to serving the community he loved – as a political organizer, school board member and county supervisor before running for Congress, where he faithfully served the people of Southern Arizona for more than 20 years.

He was an iconic figure in  Arizona politics (and the "iconic" doesn't do him justice and I'm aware of that.) and my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.