March 13, 2025

Statement on the Passing of Representative Raúl Grijalva

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mark Takano released the following statement on the passing of Rep. Raúl Grijalva:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend Raúl Grijalva. He first came into my awareness when he was among the first to endorse former Vermont Governor Howard Dean for President in 2003/2004. We forged a deep friendship when I was first elected to Congress in 2012. He was instrumental in insisting that I lead the fight in Congress on the issue of deported veterans. I will miss his warm, avuncular demeanor that always shined through his gruff samurai warrior grunts. He loved to sit side the Democratic Club puffing on a cigar. We have lost a true progressive warrior."

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