Rep. Raul Grijalva has died at 77, according to a statement from his office. The 12-term Arizona Democrat had been under treatment for cancer.
“Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle,” the statement said. “He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments.”
Grijalva had been largely absent from Congress since the beginning of the year due to his health struggles. He was set to retire from the House at the end of this term and had stepped aside from his position as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee.
Grijalva is the second House Democrat to die in office this month. Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas died on March 5.
Condolences streamed in from his fellow lawmakers.
“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,” said Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.).
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who succeeded Grijalva as a chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told reporters “my thoughts go out to his family, and I hope they know how strong his legacy will be for a very long time with the Progressive Caucus and really with the people of Arizona.”
Arizona law requires the governor to hold a special primary election between 120 and 133 days after the vacancy occurs, and for a special general election to be held 70 to 80 days after the primary, meaning the seat won’t be filled until the fall at earliest.
Read the full article here