News Summary
Alfredo Gutierrez, a renowned Arizona State Senator and advocate for social justice, passed away due to esophageal cancer. His four-decade contributions to community activism, civil rights, and politics in Arizona left a profound impact. Gutierrez, an influential figure in advocating for immigrant rights and education, is remembered by many as a dedicated public servant. A Celebration of Life is planned to honor his legacy, emphasizing his contributions to the community and the fight for social justice.
Phoenix, Arizona – Alfredo Gutierrez, a revered Arizona State Senator and advocate for social justice, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, at the age of 79 due to complications related to esophageal cancer. His contributions to community activism and the political landscape of Arizona spanned over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.
Born on September 1, 1945, in the mining town of Miami, Arizona, Gutierrez grew up amid significant social changes and tensions. He served in the Vietnam War at the young age of 17, returning to Arizona in 1967 after a transformative experience. Following his military service, he worked in the local mines before utilizing the GI Bill to enroll at Arizona State University (ASU). His early university years were marked by involvement in campus protests, leading to his departure without an initial degree.
Later, Gutierrez returned to ASU and made a significant achievement by graduating with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in May 2024. His passion for civil rights was heavily influenced by figures like Cesar Chavez and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., motivating him to engage in community organizing efforts. He played a key role in organizing farmworkers alongside Chavez and actively participated in Robert Kennedy’s presidential campaign.
Throughout his career, Gutierrez co-founded several impactful organizations, including Chicanos Por La Causa in 1969 and Valle Del Sol in 1970. His political journey began when he was elected to the Arizona State Senate in 1972 at just 27 years of age. He served until 1986 and was appointed majority leader starting in 1974. During his time in office, he took a stand on several critical legislative issues, including immigration reform, labor rights, healthcare access, water supply management, and education enhancement.
Gutierrez was instrumental in the establishment of South Mountain Community College in South Phoenix and organized the first Hispanic Convocation for ASU graduates in 1984. His contributions to public service were recognized when he received an honorary doctorate from ASU in 1999. Following his political tenure, he established a consulting firm, Jamieson and Gutierrez, contributing to notable projects such as sports arenas in central Phoenix and the CityScape project.
In 2002, he ran for Governor of Arizona but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, he embraced a new platform by hosting a Spanish language radio program, continuing to advocate for the Latino community. Known for his fierce opposition to Arizona’s controversial 2010 immigration law, SB1070, Gutierrez devoted his later years to defending immigrant rights and fighting for social justice causes. His dedication earned him respect as a devoted community servant and mentor from colleagues and peers across the political spectrum.
Alfredo Gutierrez is survived by his life partner, Sharon, three sons, several granddaughters, and additional family members he lovingly referred to as bonus children. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 26, 2025, at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Phoenix, where many will remember and honor his impactful legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to support senior fitness programs at the Kroc Center.
Gutierrez’s legacy as a political leader and community advocate will be remembered fondly by countless individuals, including those who once considered him political opponents. His life’s work has significantly influenced the landscape of Arizona and the fight for social justice.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Alfredo Gutierrez
- Arizona Central
- Google Search: Alfredo Gutierrez Arizona
- 12 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alfredo Gutierrez
- News From The States
- Google Scholar: Alfredo Gutierrez
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
