⚡ Progressive Giant Falls: 52 Members of Congress Gather to Honor Raul Grijalva's 50 Years of Service

Arizona's longest-serving congressman remembered as unwavering voice for marginalized communities

Mar 27, 2025

😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾

🌵 Raul Grijalva was a congressman from Arizona who spent 50 years 🗓️ fighting to protect nature 🌿, standing up for Native American tribes 🪶, and helping people who didn't have much power ✊. He grew up as the son of a farmworker 👨‍🌾 and never forgot where he came from, even when he became important 🌟. At his funeral ⚰️, over 50 members of Congress came to honor him, along with tribal leaders 🏞️ and regular people whose lives he touched 🤝. His daughters shared funny stories about him 😂, like how he would tell scary stories 👻 and then scratch at their windows to scare them more 😱. What made him special was that he always stayed true to what he believed was right ✅, even when it would have been easier not to 🚪.

🗝️ Takeaways

🌵 Congressman Grijalva remained true to his roots throughout his 50-year career, embodying his mother's wisdom about never forgetting "the nopal on his forehead"
🏛️ 52 members of Congress and representatives from all 22 Arizona tribal nations attended his funeral, demonstrating his wide-reaching impact
🌎 As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Grijalva secured lasting environmental protections including safeguarding land around the Grand Canyon
👩‍👧‍👧 His three daughters revealed his personal side: a mischievous prankster who loved yard sales, cooking, and "listened to music 15 seconds at a time"
🌱 His mentorship of young progressive leaders like AOC ensured his legacy will continue through the next generation of activists and politicians
✊ In an era of political compromise, Grijalva stood firm on principles of environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and dignity for immigrants

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Honoring Raul Grijalva: The Passing of a People's Champion

March 28, 2025

¡Qué dolor y qué orgullo a la vez! Yesterday, our community gathered to say farewell to one of our most steadfast warriors, Congressman Raul Grijalva. The streets of downtown Tucson transformed into rivers of grief and gratitude as thousands came to honor a man who never wavered in his commitment to justice, even as the political tides shifted against everything he fought for.

As we watched the crowds outside St. Augustine Cathedral and the military honor guard carry his urn adorned with his signature turquoise bolo tie, the weight of this loss settled deep in my chest. In these times when authentic progressive voices are increasingly rare in the halls of power, we've lost one of our strongest anchors. Y ahora, ¿quién va a defender a nuestra gente con la misma fuerza?

The Son of a Bracero Who Never Forgot Where He Came From

For those who may not know Grijalva's story, this man wasn't born into political power or privilege. Born in 1948 near Canoa Ranch, south of Tucson, he was the son of a migrant worker—an abracero—who grew up to embody a different kind of American dream. Not the individualistic "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mythology that conservatives love to peddle, but a vision of collective liberation where success means bringing your community with you.

His political journey began as a community organizer before he joined the Tucson Unified School Board (1974-1986), then the Pima County Board of Supervisors (1988-2003), and finally the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, where he served for more than two decades as one of Arizona's longest-serving congressional representatives.

Mientras otros políticos se olvidan de dónde vienen una vez que prueban el poder, Raul nunca lo hizo. While other politicians forget where they come from once they taste power, Raul never did.

A Gathering of Power, Heartbreak, and Solidarity

Yesterday's funeral mass at St. Augustine Cathedral was unlike anything I've witnessed in Tucson. The massive cathedral, which holds 1,300 people, was filled to capacity. Outside, hundreds more gathered, standing in respectful silence under the desert sun.

The scene was a powerful testament to Grijalva's impact—52 members of Congress flew in on two planes, and the crowd represented every facet of our diverse community. From tribal leaders in traditional regalia to farmworkers in work clothes, from political powerhouses to neighborhood activists, all united in grief and gratitude.

TPD had blocked off the surrounding streets, bomb squads were present, and drones hovered overhead—a level of security that reflected both the prominence of the attendees and the increasingly volatile political climate we find ourselves in.

The Voices That Carried His Legacy

The eulogies painted a portrait of Grijalva that transcended political caricature, revealing the full humanity of a man who walked through the world with both conviction and compassion.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke of Grijalva's mentorship and unfailing support for younger progressive leaders, especially women. She shared a story that captured his essence—how his mother once caught him hiding from her during an academic award ceremony from her because he was embarrassed that she couldn't speak English well:

"Three months go by, and well, I'll let Raul's words tell the rest of the story. I quote, 'pasaron como tres meses, I mean three months go by, the ceremony's over, and my mom turns to me and says, como te fue premio, how'd the award go?' She knew. She then told Raul, 'mira mijito, no te olvidas que naciste con un nopal en la frente.' Don't forget, you were born with a nopal, a cactus leaf on your forehead, and that's you."

Ocasio-Cortez explained that this moment transformed Grijalva, making him more conscious of how people treated one another and more aware of issues in his community. It was the seed of his lifelong commitment to justice.

She also revealed his mischievous side, recounting how during a UN Climate Summit, as they were being followed by a crush of admirers seeking photos, she turned to him in bewilderment, and he whispered with a smile, "Mijita, I told them you were Katy Perry."

This is the Raul we're missing in today's Congress, I thought, someone who could fight fiercely for justice while maintaining his humanity and humor. Not the manufactured outrage merchants and culture warriors who mistake cruelty for strength.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shared how Grijalva once turned down a coveted position on the Ways and Means Committee—a position most representatives covet—because he didn't want to give up his gavel on the subcommittee on interior. This seemingly small decision revealed his unwavering commitment to environmental justice and tribal sovereignty over personal political advancement.

"As chair of the Natural Resources Committee," Pelosi noted, "he was a tireless voice for protecting the beauty of God's creation, for advancing environmental justice for all."

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs spoke of his impact on state politics: "Throughout his time in public office, he never forgot why he was there, for the Arizonans he represented. As the Dean of Arizona's Congressional Delegation, he never wavered in the face of a challenge, because he understood that his highest duty was not to politics or a political party, but to the people of Arizona."

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo and one of the first Native American women in Congress, spoke movingly about Grijalva's solidarity with Indigenous communities:

"His quick wit and moral compass stood strong in the face of a certain chaotic administration that I was elected into the year that I was elected. He was unwavering in his work to protect our air, land, and water, and a powerful advocate for tribal communities everywhere."

You know you've lived correctly when the most marginalized communities mourn you the deepest, I reflected. Unlike the politicians who clamor for photo ops with tribal leaders while simultaneously auctioning off their sacred lands to the highest corporate bidder.

Perhaps most moving were the words of his daughters—Adelita, Raquel, and Marisa—who shared the personal side of a public figure. Raquel described him as "thoughtful, funny and wonderfully weird," recounting how he would tell them scary stories about La Manopeluda (the hairy hand) and then scratch at their bedroom windows afterward, laughing as they jumped in fright.

"He raised us to stand up for other people and for ourselves," Marisa said. "He taught us to live life with kindness, compassion and humor, to treat people with dignity always."

They spoke of his love for yard sales, his cooking skills, and how he would listen to music "15 seconds at a time" before skipping to the next song. They honored his 54-year marriage to their mother Ramona, whom they called "what love looks like."

The People's Congressman in the Age of Authoritarian Revival

What made Grijalva exceptional wasn't just his progressive politics but his consistency in an era where political weathervanes are the norm. When Trump first rose to power in 2016 with his xenophobic rhetoric and attacks on environmental protections, Grijalva stood firm as a bulwark against the tide.

Remember when standing up for immigrant rights and environmental protection wasn't considered "radical" but basic human decency? The shifting of our political center has been so extreme that Grijalva's principled positions—which once represented mainstream Democratic policy—came to be labeled as fringe by media narratives shaped by right-wing frames.

As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, he fought tirelessly to protect public lands and tribal sovereignty. He led the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, secured permanent protections for land around the Grand Canyon, and consistently prioritized the health of communities over corporate profits.

During the first Trump administration, when many Democrats sought "bipartisan compromise" with an administration actively dismantling environmental protections and human rights, Grijalva refused to normalize the abnormal. He called out the corruption at the Interior Department under Ryan Zinke and fought against the systematic gutting of environmental regulations.

Y nunca se vendió. Unlike so many politicians who compromise their values for power, Grijalva never sold out. He wasn't afraid to challenge corporate Democrats or establishment figures who placed political expediency over principles.

His passing comes at a critical moment in our ongoing struggle. With Trump's return to power and the acceleration of authoritarian policies, we've lost a powerful ally in the halls of Congress—someone who understood that this moment calls not for accommodation but for principled resistance.

The Contradictions of Loyalty: Ruben Reyes and the "Grijalvistas"

One of the most revealing eulogies came from Ruben Reyes, Grijalva's district director of 22 years. His emotional tribute painted a vivid picture of life in Grijalva's orbit—the chaos of road trips with half-eaten burritos staining the congressman's sweater vest (worn inexplicably "in Arizona in July"), newspapers scattered everywhere, and Grijalva's peculiar habit of listening to music "15 seconds at a time."

"Raul likes to listen to music, like his songs, 15 seconds at a time," Reyes recalled. "'Oh, I like that song,' and then he hits fast forward. We would listen to albums, entire albums in less than five minutes."

The exception was Bob Marley, whose music Grijalva would play in full, "air guitar playing it, screaming through the wind and saying, 'don't worry about a thing, everything's gonna be all right.'"

What struck me was how Reyes ended his tribute: "Gracias Raul. Adelante, Grijalvistas." This reference to "Grijalvistas" came from the same man who has bristled on social media at suggestions that a "Grijalva Machine" exists in Tucson politics.

Qué interesante, ¿no? The very term "Grijalvistas" acknowledges the existence of a political family, a movement built around a singular figure—in other words, precisely the kind of "machine" Reyes has publicly denied. He even described the "Grijalva Campaign" as "a gathering of traviesos, desastrosos, riff-raffes, calzos, rebel rousers, reprobates…"

This contradiction reveals something deeper about political movements and the people who sustain them. For all his years of service, Reyes positioned himself firmly as the loyal lieutenant, never the general. His identity remains tethered to Grijalva's legacy, his politics defined by his proximity to a larger figure.

No es crítica, es observación. In our movements, we often see this dynamic—the charismatic leader and the dedicated followers who build their identities around that leadership. The question now facing the "Grijalvistas" is whether they can evolve from followers to leaders in their own right, carrying forward Grijalva's principles without the gravitational force of his personality.

Indigenous Solidarity in Action

For Indigenous communities across Arizona and beyond, Grijalva's passing hits especially hard. In an era when tribal sovereignty continues to face threats from corporate interests and hostile political forces, he was a rare ally who understood that environmental justice and Indigenous rights are inseparable.

How many politicians can truly say they've earned the trust of Native communities after centuries of broken promises and betrayals? Grijalva's relationship with tribal nations wasn't performative allyship but built on decades of consistent support and respect.

The presence of representatives from all 22 Arizona tribes at his funeral speaks volumes about his impact. Many expressed not just sadness but genuine concern about who will fill the void he leaves behind.

For Those Who Wonder Why This Matters to You

Some of you reading this might wonder why the passing of a congressman from Arizona should matter to you. Let me be clear: in an era of increasingly corporate-captured politics, Grijalva represented something increasingly rare—a public servant who actually served the public rather than private interests.

His votes and advocacy directly impacted the air you breathe, the water you drink, the public lands you enjoy, and the rights of the most vulnerable in our society. If you care about having representatives who answer to the people rather than to donors, Grijalva's example matters.

And yes, even if you disagreed with his politics, his integrity and consistency should be something we all demand from our elected officials. The bar has been set so low that basic honesty and principled positions seem almost revolutionary.

Continuing the Resistance

As we navigate these challenging political times, with threats to democracy, climate action, and human rights intensifying, Grijalva's example offers guidance:

Stay rooted in community - Grijalva never lost touch with the people he represented
Speak truth to power - He was unafraid to challenge even the most powerful interests
Build coalitions across struggles - His work united environmental, Indigenous, labor, and immigrant rights movements
Mentor the next generation - As AOC testified, he made space for young progressive leaders
Maintain your principles - He never compromised his core values for political expediency

His daughter Marisa reminded us at the service, "Maya Angelou said, 'A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.' Our dad is a great soul."

How We Honor His Legacy

The best way to honor Raul Grijalva is to continue his work. Here are some practical ways to do so:

Support environmental justice campaigns in your community, especially those led by Indigenous and frontline communities
Advocate for immigration reform that centers human dignity and family unity
Get involved in local politics - Grijalva started on the school board before moving to national office
Support the Raul Grijalva Scholarship Fund established by his family to help young people pursue education
Hold your representatives accountable to the standards of integrity and principle that Grijalva exemplified
Amplify the voices of Indigenous communities in environmental decisions that affect their lands and lives
Embrace multilingual, multicultural organizing that reflects the diversity of our movements

After the funeral mass, a celebration of life was held at El Casino Ballroom in South Tucson—a venue rich with cultural significance where Grijalva himself had celebrated campaign victories and family milestones. This wasn't a sterile political event but a community gathering filled with the music, food, and stories that shaped his life and worldview.

A Final Reflection: Seeds of Hope in Hard Times

As we say goodbye to Congressman Grijalva, I'm reminded of something his former district director Ruben Reyes said during the funeral: "Don't worry about a thing, because every little thing is going to be alright."

This isn't naive optimism but the hard-earned wisdom of movements that have endured dark times before. Grijalva came of age during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 70s, a time when the obstacles seemed insurmountable but collective action created lasting change.

La lucha sigue, yes—the struggle continues—but we continue it with the wisdom, courage, and commitment that Grijalva embodied. We continue it knowing that transformative change often seems impossible until it happens, that the seeds we plant today may bloom in seasons we don't live to see.

In these dark political times, with fascism finding new footholds and corporate power tightening its grip, Grijalva's example reminds us that resistance isn't futile but necessary, that speaking truth to power isn't naive but essential.

The true measure of his impact isn't just in the legislation he passed but in the people he inspired, the movements he strengthened, and the example he set of what public service can and should be.

Como dijeron sus hijas, "It's all about the love." And that love—for community, for justice, for the land and its people—is what will sustain us in the fights ahead.

What are your memories of Congressman Grijalva and how did his work impact your community? How do you plan to carry forward his legacy of environmental justice and solidarity with marginalized communities in these challenging political times? Share your thoughts in the comments below.