Alfredo Gutierrez: Community advocate and one-time Arizona state senator died at 79

Alfredo Gutierrez: Fmr. AZ State Sen. has died

Alfredo Gutierrez, a long-time Arizona community advocate who was also described as a political giant, has passed away at the age of 79. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean reports.

PHOENIX - Longtime community advocate and former Arizona State Senator Alfredo Gutierrez has passed away.

What we know:

According to reports, Gutierrez lost his battle with esophageal cancer.

The backstory:

Gutierrez started gaining attention in Arizona circles after he was forced out of Arizona State University because of campus protests. According to an article on Gutierrez that was published by Arizona State University in September 2024, Gutierrez enrolled at ASU on the GI Bill, and left with less than a year to go before he could graduate.

The same article, however, said Gutierrez graduated with a bachelor's degree from the university in May 2024.

Gutierrez would go on to serve 14 years in the Arizona State Senate, including stints as both the majority leader and minority leader for the Democratic Party.

From transportation to healthcare and migrant rights, Gutierrez was known for his ability to reach across the aisle, and get deals done with GOP leaders.

Local perspective:

Community advocate Lydia Guzman said Gutierrez is "the epitome of a life of service."

"When he served in the legislature, when he was attending meetings, coalition meetings, everything he did was about how to improve everything we do, so that we can better represent our community," said Guzman. "His legacy will be a man devoted to community service, a man who was also devoted to helping inspire young folks to do the same."

Former Governor Jan Brewer, who is a Republican, was at times in opposition to political positions that Gutierrez took in the state house, and that included the immigration-related SB 1070, which Gutierrez spoke out against when Brewer signed it in 2010. Upon learning of Gutierrez's death, however, Brewer spoke in tones of admiration about her former political opponent.

"He was a real spokesperson for the state," said Brewer. "He was a leader. He was fun, and he will be sorely missed. I remember the first time I went to the capitol. He was on the floor as Minority Leader, and he was down there and I was just in awe of him. He was a dynamite elected official, and a leader for the community."

'We lost a giant'

Community advocate Alfredo Gutierrez dies: 'We lost a giant'

Alfredo Gutierrez, a former state senator and prominent community advocate, died July 29. He was 79. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean has more on his legacy.

Community activist Channel Powe said, "Today is a sad day in Arizona. We lost a giant."

Gutierrez is lauded for his ability to reach across the aisle at the Arizona State House.

"I can remember standing side by side with him, standing up to fight, to end family separation. To stand up against injustices and to ensure that migrants and immigrants were treated with human decency," Powe said.

He founded Chicanos por la Causa, an advocacy group for underserved Arizonans, and was considered a mentor for younger advocates.

"He's been our north star. Someone who has guided us, who's grounded us in principle," Guzman said. 

His legacy is one that those who worked beside him say they will work to continue.

"Alfredo's last words were powerful. They spoke about making sure to keep our eyes on the prize and that we engage the community. It was about empowerment; it was about civic engagement," Guzman said.

"Many members of our community are mourning his death, but for some reason, I just have this glimmer of hope in my eye because Alfredo Gutierrez lives in the movement. He lives in us as we continue to fight for liberation for all people," Powe said.