TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with cancer but said he is continuing to work while undergoing treatment.
“A few weeks ago, I sought treatment for a persistent cough that was initially diagnosed as pneumonia. After further tests and imaging, my doctor discovered I had cancer,” Arizona said the 76-year-old Democrat, the state’s dean. Congressional delegation said in a statement.
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“While this diagnosis was difficult to process, I had confidence in the vigorous treatment regimen developed by my medical team and began my journey to fight this cancer,” Grijalva added.
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) speaks at the Capitol on March 28, 2022 in Washington. Grijalva announced on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but said he would continue to serve. He is undergoing treatment. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
It is unclear what type of cancer Grijalva has. The congressman’s office said no other information has been released at this time.
Grijalva, who was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002 and is seeking a 12th term this year, said he is “working hard to get back to health and get back to work as usual as soon as possible.”
Ruben Reyes, who serves as Southern Arizona district director for the city of Grijalva, said he doesn’t think cancer treatment will affect a lawmaker’s ability to do his job.
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The Grijalva area spans much of the Arizona-Mexico border and includes parts of Cochise, Maricopa, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties.
“My Congressional office remains open and many of the services we provide to our constituents continue without interruption. I am in regular contact with my staff,” Grijalva said in a statement. . “It is an honor to represent the people of Arizona, and I take this responsibility very seriously.”
