A Democrat from Arizona, passed away at 77 years old.

Raúl Grijalva, a Democrat from Arizona, passed away at 77 years old.

According to the office, the congressman passed away Thursday morning as a result of complications from cancer treatments. Grijalva declared in April 2024 that he had received a cancer diagnosis and had started treatment. At the time, he described the diagnosis as “difficult to process.”

“Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle,” the congressman’s office said in a statement late on Thursday.

Grijalva was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 2002, and during his time there, he held important roles on the House Natural Resources Committee, including ranking member and chair. Throughout his time in Congress, the congressman was well-known for his support of the environment.

In addition to being a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Grijalva served as chair emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

“Rep. Grijalva’s kind and humble nature was known to many,” the statement from his office said. “He was approachable by all because he believed people should be treated as equals. He loved to give gifts, blare music in his office, and get to know people for who they are.”

Grijalva served in a firmly Democratic district near the US-Mexico border in southern Arizona. In November, he defeated his Republican opponent by over 25 percentage points to win a twelfth term in the House of Representatives.

The vacancy will have to be filled by a special election.

Just last week, Texas Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner, a former Houston mayor, passed away at the age of 70, leaving House Democrats without another member.