Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here tonight with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and with our Democratic leader as well, to celebrate and remember a man who made a difference: Raul Grijalva. He never forgot where he came from. Just as importantly, he never forgot why he came. He was somebody who lent a voice to the vulnerable and to the folks who had been discarded and forgotten. He was a man of his community. I served 10 years in Austin in the State legislature and am now in year 13 here. As I meet all the people that represent and serve the districts that they do, I always wonder how closely each person represents the average person walking down the street in their district. Raul Grijalva was that every person. To me, that is one of the biggest compliments that can be paid not only to the people who sent him here but also to him. He left the same way he came in, a man of principle who stood up for what he believed, who fought for the people that he represented, and always spoke truth to power. He was a legend of Mexican-American activism, known across the country for protecting our national parks, the environment, fighting for early childhood education and higher education, and uplifting immigrants and marginalized communities. As all of us know, he was also a kind and brilliant man. He had a kind heart but a fierce spirit. He was a fearless voice for Arizonans and all Americans. Mr. Speaker, Raul will be missed.…”