Rep. García’s Statement on the Passing of Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07):

“My friendship with Raúl started long before I came to Congress. We both started our careers as community advocates and organizers. We shared a passion for justice and equality in our communities. We both came from working-class families, proud of our Mexican roots, and we both enjoyed a good laugh and a good mariachi. So it was just natural that we would become friends.

“During his two decades in Congress, Raúl worked tirelessly for Arizona and the country. Raúl wanted to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more just future for our children. As Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, he fought for strong environmental protections and authored The Environmental Justice for All Act to empower people to protect their communities. He was a staunch defender of tribal sovereignty and workers’ rights. I was honored when he encouraged me to join the Natural Resources Committee, where we worked together to help the people of Puerto Rico receive the long-promised assistance they needed after Hurricane Maria. 

“Raúl also believed that our country’s strength is rooted in our immigrant heritage and worked tirelessly to protect immigrant families and refugees. We worked together to improve our broken immigration system and hold both Democratic and Republican presidents accountable for their policies. Whether trying to pass the Dream and Promise Act, treating immigrants with dignity, or stopping the construction of an ineffective and environmentally damaging border wall, Raúl never gave up. 

“One of Raúl’s favorite songs was ‘El Rey,’ and in particular the line that says ‘no hay que llegar primero, pero hay que saber llegar’ —“it’s not only about getting there first, but about how you get there.” I think this phrase perfectly describes his tenacity in everything he did.

“Raúl was a loving father, husband, and a loyal friend. His kindness and dedication will be sorely missed in the halls of Congress. My thoughts are with his wife Ramona and his daughters Adelita, Raquel, and Marisa, as well as his staff in Washington and Arizona. Rest in power, amigo.” 

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