Rest in power, Raúl

Five decades of public service … Remembering Raúl … And what's next.

One of the longest-serving and the most influential voices in the entire Arizona Congressional delegation, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, passed away from complications from lung cancer yesterday. He was 77.

The son of a Mexican migrant worker who came into the U.S. through the Bracero Program, Grijalva was a public servant in Southern Arizona for the last five decades, including 11 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A political firebrand who earned the title as one of the most liberal members of Congress, Grijalva was unafraid to fight for environmental justice, immigration reform and ensuring every child in the country had access to a good education.

Grijalva was fearless, never willing to back away from a political fight – whether it was to advocate for a boycott of his own state 15 years ago after the passage of SB1070 or yesterday, when he tweeted about the Trump administration’s attempts to gut the U.S. Education Department.

Big shoes to fill

As a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Committee on Natural Resources during his 22 years in Congress, Grijalva leaves big shoes to fill.

But it will be at least six months before someone steps into those shoes to represent the 7th Congressional District.

Gov. Katie Hobbs has less than 72 hours to set a date for a special primary election to choose Democratic and Republican nominees, and a general election to select Grijalva's successor.

State election laws mandate the primary be held between 120 – 133 days after the vacancy, and the general be held 70 – 80 days after that.

Would-be candidates must collect signatures and file nomination papers within 30 days after Hobbs sets the date.

More than a few candidates have been floated as possible successors, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva (who is the daughter of the late congressman), state Rep. Alma Hernandez and her brother, former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez.

All four of those potential candidates were named in a recent anonymous push poll asking Democratic voters what they thought about these high-profile Democrats in Southern Arizona.

However, when talking to the Tucson Agenda just a week ago, Alma Hernandez ruled out a run for Congress. At the time, she was criticizing Grijalva for missing a close vote in the House. (Since going public with his battle with lung cancer last year, Grijalva missed more than 500 votes in Congress.)

“I will not run for Congress,” she said. “I am focused on doing my work as a legislator.”

Another rumored candidate is Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. He lives in Phoenix, though he grew up in Nogales.

Members of Congress are not required to live in the districts they represent. State law does require, however, that any salaried elected official step down from their position to run for another salaried local, state or federal office – unless they’re in the final year of their term. Fontes still has almost two years left in his term.

Fontes told reporters he will be making a statement today.

Coming out of the woodwork

Grijalva’s seat is in a safe Democratic district, and winning the primary almost certainly guarantees a seat in the House – potentially for decades to come.

The vacuum left by his passing is sure to be a powerful draw to many would-be successors, and the rush to replace him could set off a series of domino-like resignations that open up other political positions across Southern Arizona.

We concede there are a lot of what-ifs in this scenario, but for example:

If Romero stepped down as mayor to run for Congress, the six members of the Tucson City Council would pick her replacement. They likely would pick one of their own to step up as mayor, leaving a city council seat vacant.¹

If Grijalva steps down from the Pima County Board of Supervisors to run for her father’s seat, the Board has the authority to name a replacement. Candidates must live in the district and be from the same political party as the person they seek to replace.

However, any appointment would only last until the next election cycle – 2026 in this case.

If a state legislator resigns to run, the board of supervisors from their county would appoint a replacement. Just like above, any potential candidate would have to be from the same party and live in the same legislative district as the state lawmaker they seek to replace.

While we named a few possible candidates, we expect more candidates to come out of the woodwork in the coming weeks.

Memories, condolences and celebrations of the larger-than-life congressman flowed in from all across the state and the nation yesterday. Here’s a small sample.

Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva

“We mourn the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, who set lofty standards with his wisdom, integrity and compassion for the common person. He was a towering political figure who left an indelible positive mark in Southern Arizona over five decades of service to his community.

He is known for always acting in the public interest and advancing the cause of public education for those from all walks of life. He was a stanch environmentalist and played a critical role in creation of the landmark Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. In Congress he was instrumental in creation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tak Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument, which protects the Grand Canyon from mining and other destructive activities that threaten the natural wonder’s environmental integrity and its sacred role in many indigenous people’s spirituality.

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. Rest in Power.”

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero

“I am devastated to hear of the passing of my mentor, my friend, and our Congressman, Representative Raúl 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.”

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

“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.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani

“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.”

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs

“I am devastated by the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva and my heart is with his family and loved ones. 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.”

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes

“Rest in peace, Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Your tireless dedication and unwavering advocacy for Southern Arizona leaves behind an enduring legacy for generations to come.”

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders

“I mourn the death of Rep. Raúl Grijalva, a former colleague of mine and one of the most progressive members of the U.S. House. Raúl was a fighter for working families throughout his entire life. He will be sorely missed.”

Democratic U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“A genuinely devastating loss. Raúl Grijalva stood as one of the biggest champions for working people in all of Congress. His leadership was singular. He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment.”

Former Democratic state Rep. Daniel Hernandez

“Arizona has lost a progressive and environmental champion. Our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Congressman Raúl Grijalva, and to the Tucson community that he loved so much. Our state is a far better place for his years of public service as a voice for those most in need.”

Like many people in southern Arizona, everyone here at the Agendaverse has their own stories to tell about working with Grijalva.

Joe was at the Arizona Daily Wildcat when he first met Grijalva.

As an undergrad. I found myself calling his office for what seemed like a long shot. A UofA student had been tossed out of a political rally just for wearing a T-shirt, and I figured I might snag a quick quote. To my surprise, he called me back personally just an hour later.

That moment marked the beginning of a unique relationship where he was always open, always willing to speak his mind, and never backed down from a conversation, no matter the topic.

He was in his element when he fought for others, making fiery speeches and taking hard positions when other Democrats were backing away.

Years ago, Curt was just a guy hanging out on Fourth Ave, not a reporter or anybody a politician would feel compelled to talk to. But that didn’t matter to Grijalva.

One day, I walked up to him as he was sitting at one of those little black tables outside Epic Cafe. He peered at me over his glasses, furrowed his eyebrows a bit as he sized me up, and then we chatted for a good long while about anything and everything. It was the first of many casual conversations we had at Epic over the next few years.

I wonder if anybody else in the country had such easy access to the person representing them in Congress.

Later, when I was a reporter, I remember calling his office in Washington, D.C. to ask about a border story. He didn’t hesitate to talk with a reporter from Tucson for as long as needed.

“It’s always nice to see a 520 area code,” he said.

Hank was a cub reporter working in Nogales the first time he properly met Grijalva.

I spotted the congressman smoking a cigarette outside an event and introduced myself.

“Oh yeah, we read your stuff in DC,” Grijalva replied.

It may or may not have been true, but it was the kindest, most gracious compliment a powerful congressman could have given a young punk reporter.

Years later, I spotted Grijalva at the state Capitol, standing off to the side of a protest smoking another cigarette. I went up to introduce myself again, but there was no need – Grijalva remembered a lowly local reporter from that single interaction years before.

That’s one of the many things that made him one hell of a politician, and a genuinely likeable human being.

1. The new mayor in this hypothetical doesn’t necessarily have to be a member of the city council – anyone who is a qualified elector living in Tucson for the last three years would be eligible.