Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva Tests Positive for COVID-19

Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva says he’s been infected with the coronavirus, a few days after a Capitol Hill hearing where a Republican House member in attendance later tested positive for COVID-19.

Grijalva, who issued a statement saying he isn’t exhibiting any symptoms and has been self-isolating at his home in Washington, D.C., since Wednesday upon learning that Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert tested positive. Grijalva had presided over a hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee a day earlier.

“While I cannot blame anyone directly for this, this week has shown that there are some Members of Congress who fail to take this crisis seriously,” said the Arizona Democrat. “Numerous Republican members routinely strut around the Capitol without a mask to selfishly make a political statement at the expense of their colleagues, staff, and their families.”

After Gohmert announced he’d tested positive, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi required members and their staff to wear masks while in House office buildings.

At 72, Grijalva would be considered among those at higher risk from coronavirus complications. COVID-19 cases in Washington have crept higher over the past month after trailing off in June.