Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment, according to an announcement he made on Tuesday.
House Democrat From Arizona Reveals Cancer Diagnosis https://t.co/EMg7nj8zBr pic.twitter.com/l6tE7AGO6A
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In a statement, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer after he went to the hospital a few weeks ago for a “persistent cough which was initially diagnosed as pneumonia.” However, testing and imaging later revealed that the pneumonia was actually cancer.
“This diagnosis has been difficult to process, but I am confident in the vigorous course of treatment that my medical team has developed, and I’ve begun my journey to fight this cancer,” he stated.
“I am working hard to get healthy and return to business as usual as soon as I am able,” he added.
“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 said further, informing his constituents that his office remains open to serve them.
The congressman, who represents Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, a Democratic stronghold that includes some parts of Tucson, Yuma and western metro Phoenix, did not say the exact kind of cancer he was diagnosed with.
The announcement comes amid frequent departures from the House lately, which has led to a very slim GOP majority. Judging from his statement, Grijalva does not have intentions of retiring Congress and is in fact pushing forward with his reelection efforts for a 12th term in this year’s election.
According to Ruben Reyes, who works for Grijalva as his Southern Arizona district director, the lawmaker’s ability to serve will not be affected by his cancer treatment.
