Arizona lawmakers introduced legislation to name the Tucson federal building in honor of the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva.
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Greg Stanton along with a bipartisan group of congressional leaders, including Reps. Paul Gosar, Juan Ciscomani, and Yassamin Ansari.
“The Tucson Federal Building is a gateway to government — housing small business assistance, immigration services, and more,” Stanton said in a written statement. “I know generations of public servants who work within its walls will continue to draw inspiration from Congressman Grijalva’s deep commitment to opportunity and justice for all.”
Legislation would name Tucson's federal building downtown after Raúl Grijalva, a longtime Tucson congressman who died in March.
The Tucson Federal Building, 300 W. Congress St., was built in 1974. It houses a variety of agencies covering national security, labor, business and more.
Grijalva died at 77 in March after a battle with lung cancer. He was a leading voice for public education, environmental protection, tribal sovereignty, immigrants’ rights and expanded healthcare.
Before his career in Congress, Grijalva served as a board member and chair of the Tucson Unified School District in the 1970s and 1980s and as a Pima County supervisor in the 1990s.
The son of a Mexican immigrant, Grijalva was first elected to the House in 2002. He served 11 full terms, making him one of the longest-tenured members in Arizona history.
The Grijalva family wrote in a statement that they were grateful to Stanton and the Arizona delegation “for recognizing his legacy in this lasting way.”
“Our family is deeply honored by this tribute to Raúl. Tucson was his lifelong home and this community shaped his values, fueled his advocacy, and inspired his fight for equity, dignity, and opportunity for all,” the family wrote. “Naming this building after him ensures that future generations will remember not only his years of service, but the principles he stood for.”
The congressman’s daughter, Adelita Grijalva, who is currently running for his District 7 seat, said she thinks her father would be honored and “get a chuckle” out of it.
“I think it’s almost appropriate, because he was part of so many protests outside of that building,” she said. “It’s a loving testament in Tucson, where he gave so much of his life.”
Grijalva is set to face Democratic candidates Deja Foxx, Patrick Harris Sr., Daniel Hernandez Jr. and José Malvido Jr. in the District 7 primary on July 15. The Democratic candidates had a debate Tuesday. Republican candidates Daniel Butierez, Jorge Rivas and Jimmy Rodriguez had a debate Monday.
The registration deadline to vote in the July 15 primary is Monday, June 16. Early voting begins next week on June 18.
