Longtime Representative Grijalva and former Senator Simpson Pass Away

Posted by Ryan Fitzgerald on March 14, 2025

Rep. Raul Grijalva

GoWest extends our deepest condolences to the families of Arizona Representative Raul Grijalva and former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson in their time of grief.

On March 13, Grijalva, the longtime Arizona Representative (D-AZ-07), passed away at the age of 77 after a long battle with cancer. The 12-term Congressman had been under treatment for the disease. His office released a statement announcing his passing noting that “Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle.”

We want to express our deepest sympathies to Rep. Grijalva’s family and staff,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, SVP Advocacy for GoWest. “He was a longtime credit union supporter as his dedication to serving the underserved aligned with the “people helping people” mission of credit unions.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs released a statement saying, “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.”

The Governor must call a special election within 72 hours of Grijalva’s official vacancy in order to start the process of determining his successor. Arizona law requires the governor to hold a special primary election between 120 and 133 days after the vacancy occurs, and for a special general election to be held 70 to 80 days after the primary, which means the seat won’t be filled until the fall at earliest.

Grijalva had been set to retire from the House at the end of this term and had stepped aside from his position as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee.

Many of his Arizona colleagues took to X to express their condolences:

Senator Ruben Gallego shared, “Congressman Grijalva was not just my colleague, but my friend. As another Latino working in public service, I can say from experience that he served as a role model to many young people across the Grand Canyon State.”

“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,” wrote Representative Juan Ciscomani.

Senator Mark Kelley stated, “Today, Arizona lost a champion. Raul Grijalva served Southern Arizona for decades. He fought for the rights and well-being of all Arizonans, especially those who needed a hand.”

Representative Andy Biggs said “Arizona lost a friend today. Congressman Raúl Grijalva was a dedicated public servant who served his constituents well.”

“He dedicated his life to serving the community he loved – as a political organizer, school board member and county supervisor before running for Congress, where he faithfully served the people of Southern Arizona for more than 20 years,” wrote Representative Greg Stanton.

Additionally, former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson, died Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 93. He had been in hospice care in recent days.

“Today, our state and country mourn the passing of our dear Senator Alan Simpson. There was no stronger advocate for the needs, industries, and interests of Wyoming. I extend my deepest thoughts and prayers to Al’s family and friends, he will be missed dearly,” wrote Senator Cyntha Lummis on X.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Federal Advocacy.