Washington — Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona died Thursday morning after “a long and brave battle” against cancer, according to his office.
“He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments,” his office said in a statement.
Grijalva, who was 77, announced in April that he had cancer after seeking medical treatment for a persistent cough, which was initially diagnosed as pneumonia. He said his diagnosis has been “difficult to process.” In July, Grijalva said he had finished his cancer treatment “for now” and was working to regain his physical strength so that he could return to work in Washington, D.C.
The longtime congressman, who has served in Congress since 2003, has been absent for votes all of this year.
“Serving Southern Arizona was the honor of Raúl M. Grijalva’s life,” his office said.
He is the second Democratic House member to die this month. Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas died in early March, weeks after taking office.
