US Rep. Raúl Grijalva announces he has cancer, is undergoing treatment

U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., announced on Tuesday he has been diagnosed with cancer.

Grijalva, who has represented the Tucson area in Congress since 2003, said his medical team has developed a "vigorous course of treatment" and that he has continued to work.

“A few weeks ago, I sought medical treatment for a persistent cough which was initially diagnosed as pneumonia. After further testing and imaging, my physician discovered that I have cancer," he wrote in a statement.

“My congressional office remains open and the many services we provide for our constituents continue uninterrupted. I am in regular communication with my staff and I continue to work as I undergo treatment. It is a privilege to serve as a Representative for the people of Arizona and I take this responsibility very seriously.”

Grijalva, 76, represents Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, which stretches along the state's border with Mexico. The district includes parts of Yuma, Tucson and Nogales and some of the Phoenix area. His current term ends in 2025.

“I am grateful to my family, friends and doctors for their support, and I am working hard to get healthy and return to business as usual as soon as I am able,” Grijalva’s statement said. “I appreciate your consideration, well wishes and respect for my family’s privacy during this time. My heart goes out to others struggling with cancer, and I wish everyone strength in their fight.”

The son of a migrant worker from Mexico, Grijalva worked his way up within Tucson politics and community organizing. He went on to serve as a Pima County supervisor ― an elected office that his daughter, Adelita Grijalva, now holds.

A former co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Grijalva is considered one of the most liberal members of the U.S. House. He currently chairs the influential House Committee on Natural Resources.

Several of Grijalva's colleagues in D.C. and in his district expressed well wishes for the congressman.

“My thoughts & prayers are with @RepRaulGrijalva and his family during this difficult time,” Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., wrote on social media. “As a fighter for AZ and the natural wonders of our state, Raul is an inspiration to me and so many. I wish him the best in this cancer fight and hope to be working with him again soon.”

U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., and Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., did the same.

"Sending you love and strength mi querido amigo. We're here for you," wrote Congressman Chuy García, D-Ill., Grijalva's fellow colleague in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus.

"Congressman Grijalva is a longtime mentor, public servant, and dear friend. I feel confident I can speak for all of us in wishing the Congressman a speedy recovery. I want to send my love and healing prayers to Raúl, (Grijalva's wife) Mona and his entire family," wrote Regina Romero, the mayor of Tucson.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona announces he has cancer