Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07).
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva, a true champion for justice and equality,” said Equality PAC Co-Chairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY). “Throughout his decades of service, he fought tirelessly for LGBTQ rights, both in Arizona and across the nation. His leadership in Congress helped advance critical protections, including the Equality Act and the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, ensuring dignity and fairness for all. Grijalva’s unwavering voice for the marginalized will be deeply missed, but his legacy of compassion and courage will live on. Today, we mourn not just a leader, but a friend to all who believe in a more just world.”
Congressman Grijalva was a dedicated American politician and activist who served as the U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 7th congressional district since 2003, previously serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Grijalva was deeply connected to his community, which he represented throughout his political career.
Equality PAC’s mission is simple: to elect more LGBTQ+ persons to Congress — individuals who will have a seat at the table, impact the debate, and humanize the LGBTQ community’s concerns. All the funds we raise are used to elect and re-elect LGBTQ persons to Congress and secondarily support strong LGBTQ community allies who will proudly and unapologetically stand with us in the fight to pass the Equality Act and equal protection under our nation’s laws.
In the short time that Equality PAC has existed, Equality PAC has played an unmatched role in making history for the LGBTQ community, electing LGBTQ leaders at the federal level such as current House Members Sharice Davis (Kansas); Ritchie Torres (New York); Becca Balint (Vermont); Robert Garcia (California); Eric Sorensen (Illinois); Angie Craig (Minnesota); and Chris Pappas (New Hampshire). And in 2024, Equality PAC helped elect Julie Johnson (Texas); Emily Randall (Washington); and Sarah McBride (Delaware).
Equality PAC has been instrumental in winning key races that have determined control of Congress because we know that without pro-Equality majorities, the progress our community has made and the civil rights and equal protections we have fought so hard for, and are still fighting for every day, remain in jeopardy.
