Will Rep. Grijalva Finish His Congressional Term? 

Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-CD7) announced he will step down as ranking member of the 119th Congress’ House Natural Resources Committee, citing ongoing health concerns. This decision comes after a year marked by significant health challenges, including an April 2024 cancer diagnosis that resulted in his absence from Washington for most of the year.

Grijalva, who served in Congress since 2003 and has been the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee since 2019, described the role as “the honor of my professional career.” He expressed pride in the committee’s accomplishments, including advancing environmental justice, honoring tribal sovereignty, and protecting the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.

“None of our progress would have been possible without the perseverance and determination of so many people and communities who have been fighting for this progress for decades,” he said.

However, Grijalva’s decision to step down from the committee is the least of his constituents’ worries.

Janet Wittenbraker, who ran for Mayor of Tucson in 2023 and Board of Supervisors in 2024, said on X, “Rep Raul Grijalva, Pres Joe Biden, Sen Mitch McConnell & Diane Feinstein are/were to ill to serve. They knowing deceived voters into believing they are perfectly ok, very unfortunate indeed.”

The Arizona Globe previously documented his health struggles. Since February of this year, Grijalva has been largely absent from Capitol Hill, returning briefly for three days in November to log a few votes. Insiders told the Globe that Grijalva’s condition remains severe, with his office stating, “Due to the Representative’s condition and the severity of his treatment, it is unknown when he will be back in Washington.”

In a rare appearance weeks before the 2024 election, Grijalva told his longtime friend and journalist Bud Foster that he had completed treatment “for now” and planned to resume limited campaigning. It is unknown whether Grijalva participated in any campaign events at all. He was rarely seen around his district and did not debate with his opponent despite agreeing that he would. Even with his minimal campaign efforts, in his D+13 district, he secured re-election with 63.4% of the vote.

Grijalva, who was one of the first Democrats to call for President Biden to step aside after a lackluster debate performance, now faces scrutiny over whether he should have followed his own advice. Grijalva acknowledged the need for fresh leadership, stating, “It’s time for someone else, and it’s time for someone younger.” Yet, critics claim he ran for re-election despite allegedly being unable to perform his duties.

Grijalva’s re-election highlights a broader debate about transparency and accountability among long-serving lawmakers facing significant health challenges. As calls grow for a new generation of leaders, questions remain about whether Grijalva adequately informed voters about his condition and his ability to serve. While proponents agree his legacy of championing environmental and social justice issues is undeniable, his recent actions have left many, including constituents and political observers, questioning whether his continued service truly serves the best interests of Arizona’s 7th District.