BREAKING: Democrat U.S. Congressman Dies

Democrat Representative Raúl M. Grijalva, (D-Ariz) has died at the age of 77.

Grijalva’s office stated the longtime lawmaker died due to “complications of his cancer treatment.”

In a press release, Grijalva’s Office wrote, “He was steadfast in his commitment to produce lasting change through environmental policies — as he would say, ‘It’s for the babies.’ He led the Natural Resources Committee without fear of repercussion, but with an urgency of the consequences of inaction.”

The death of Grijalva marks the second death of a Democrat U.S. lawmaker this month.

Last week, Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Texas, suddenly died on March 5.

Sad update: The Office of the 7th District of Arizona is saddened to announce the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva. Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle. He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments. @RepRaulGrijalva

— Priscilla Huff (@PriscillaGrayDC) March 13, 2025

A statement from the Office of Raúl M. Grijalva. pic.twitter.com/DJkWNfwHfn

— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) March 13, 2025

Per NBC News:

Longtime Rep. Raúl M. 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. During that time he served as chair of the Natural Resources Committee, and most recently was the top Democrat on that House panel. He also was one of the leading progressive voices on Capitol Hill, and served as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus from 2009 to 2019.

“He was steadfast in his commitment to produce lasting change through environmental policies — as he would say, ‘It’s for the babies.’ He led the Natural Resources Committee without fear of repercussion, but with an urgency of the consequences of inaction,” his staff said in a statement.

Grijalva is the second House Democrat to die in office this month. First-term Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Texas, suddenly died on March 5 after attending President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress the night before.

REST IN PEACE: Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva died this morning at the age of 77 due to complications from his cancer treatments, his office announced. pic.twitter.com/SPAdXktsgJ

— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) March 13, 2025

Here’s what Fox News reported:

Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., died of lung cancer-related issues on Thursday morning, his office announced in a statement. In Congress, the southern Arizona Democrat was most known for his work on the House Natural Resources committee.

“From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices,” the statement read.

“He led the charge for historic investments in climate action, port of entry modernization, permanent funding for land and water conservation programs, access to health care for tribal communities and the uninsured, fairness for immigrant families and Dreamers, student loan forgiveness, stronger protections for farmers and workers exposed to extreme heat, early childhood education expansion, higher standards for tribal consultation, and so much more,” the statement continued.