Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva

Raúl M. Grijalva represents the 7th Congressional District of Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives. The seventh district encompasses parts of Pima, Maricopa, La Paz, Pinal and Santa Cruz counties, along with all of Yuma County. It is the only district in Congress representing seven separate Native American Tribes. They include the Tohono O'Odham Nation, Colorado River, Ak-Chin, Gila River, Cocopah, Quechan and Pascua Yaqui Tribes.

Raúl serves on the Committee on Education and Workforce, the Committee on Resources and is the chair of the House Democratic Environmental Task Force. He is a leading advocate for working families, defending our environment, preserving Social Security and Medicare, universal health care, protecting our civil liberties, immigration reform and a comprehensive border policy; and increased support for public education, including financial aid for higher education.

Raúl Grijalva speaks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives

In the 108th Congress, Raúl fought tirelessly for the interests of children of migrant and seasonal farmworking families by advocating for meaningful funding increases for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs. Raúl also worked with his colleagues on the committee to ensure better access to school nutrition programs for these children, and to ensure the program was equitable. Raúl successfully proposed an amendment during the reauthorization of Runaway and Homeless Youth Act which allowed for free and confidential STD and HIV testing homeless and runaway youth.

Raúl also led efforts in the House on issues important to Arizona, including the Colorado River Indian Reservation Boundary Correction Act, a bill he introduced which was passed by the House in late September 2004. He also supported the Arizona Water Settlements Act, which will help resolve water issues for tribes, municipalities, and water districts in Arizona. The bill was signed into law in December 2004. As Chairman for the Democratic Caucus' Environment Taskforce, Raúl has worked to educate Democratic Members on the importance of environmental protection, in particular highlighting the disproportionate impact of pollution on minority and economically depressed communities.

Raúl Grijalva addresses parents regarding Head Start Funding

Raúl was named 2nd vice-chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for the 109th Congress, a distinction uncommon for a 2nd term Member of Congress. In the 109th Congress, Raúl will continue to fight for his constituency. Among the top priorities of the Congress are Social Security, Tax Reform, and Immigration reform. Raúl will uphold the rights and needs of his constituency, carefully evaluating the short and long term impacts of proposed legislation on our schools, seniors and families.

Raúl was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. His father was a bracero who emigrated from Mexico in 1945 to help offset the loss of skilled American ranch hands serving in World War II. Raúl's parents stressed the importance of education to their three children, and it was that encouragement that led Raúl to his career into public service.

Raúl and Mona Grijalva, with daughters Raquel, Adelita, and Marisa

Raúl served on the Tucson Unified District Governing Board and came to be known for his advocacy of teacher and employee rights, civil rights, and public education. He received many awards for his service. The most significant honor was the naming of an elementary school in his name in 1988. During his tenure as a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, Raúl set a tone on many community issues, such as health care, children and families, the environment, and working families.

Raúl and his wife Ramona have been married for over 30 years and they have three daughters; Adelita, Raquel and Marisa. The contributions of the Grijalva family to the betterment and quality of the community are a career and lifelong commitment.

Personal History
Born in Tucson, Arizona, February 19, 1948.
Married to Ramona F. Grijalva. Together they have three daughters: Adelita, Raquel and Marisa Grijalva.
Graduate of Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Arizona, 1967
Graduate of University of Arizona, B.A. Sociology, 1988

Professional History
Director of El Pueblo Neighborhood Center, 1975-1986
Assistant Dean for Hispanic Student Affairs, University of Arizona, 1987

Community/Political History
United States Representative, 2003-Present
Pima County Board of Supervisors, Chairman, 2000-2002
Pima County Board of Supervisors, Member, 1989-2000
Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, Member, 1974-1986

Recent Awards

• Southern Arizona Red Cross Honorary Chair, 2004
• Sunnyside High School Alumni Hall of Fame, 2004
• 2004 Special Award, Sierra Club, Grand Canyon Chapter
• AZ Credit Union System Award, 2004
• Government Leadership Award, League of United Latin American Citizens, 2004
• 2004 Seres Puentes Award, University of Arizona
• "In Tune" Award, Carondelet Medical Group, 2004
• 2003 Farmworker Advocate Award
• University of Arizona New Start Honoree, 2003
• Champion in Diversity Award, AZ Minority Bar Association, 2002
• Distinguished Community Service Award, Tucson Minority Business, 2002
• Jim Haag Award, Pima County, AZ Interfaith Council, 2002
• Public Elected Official of the Year, AZ Chapter, National Association of Social Workers, 2001
• Earth Day Hero Award, South Tucson Weed and Seed, 2001
• Friends of the Trails Award, Pima Trails Association, 2001
• Government Leadership Award, League of United Latin American Citizens, 2001