Arizona Pols Pay Tribute To The Late Olivia Cajero Bedford

ARIZONA —Politicians from across Arizona are paying tribute to former state lawmaker Olivia Cajero Bedford, who passed away at the age of 83. The news of Cajero Bedford's death was announced on the state Senate floor in Phoenix on Thursday.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Friday in honor of Cajero Bedford, a Democrat who represented Tucson and served in the state House from 2003-10 and state Senate from 2011-18.

According to her biography on Azleg.gov, Cajero Bedford followed in the footsteps of her parents — Rep. Bernardo "Nayo" Cajero and Rep. Carmen Cajero — who both represented southern Arizonans at the state Capitol.

"Senator Olivia Cajero Bedford embodied strength, perseverance and sophistication," Ducey said in a statement. "Like her parents, she believed in the value of public service and was committed to ensuring the people of her southern Arizona district were well represented. Our deepest condolences are with Senator Cajero Bedford's family, friends, community members and colleagues at the legislature."

According to Azleg.gov, Cajero Bedford was a business owner and director of sales and marketing for the tourism/hotel industry before she entered politics.

After taking office, Cajero Bedford "fought to defend a woman's right to choose," Azleg.gov wrote.

The website noted that Cajero Bedford received the "Walk the Talk" award from the Arizona Medical Association in 2007. That same year, she was honored among the 2007 Tech 10 Legislators at the Fifth Annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation.

Cajero Bedford and her mother were honored by Latina Perspective Magazine with the Latina Trailblazers award in 2011.

"I'm saddened to hear of former state Senator and Representative Olivia Cajero Bedford's passing," Arizona U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said in a statement on Thursday. "Olivia was a dear friend and fierce advocate with whom I was honored to serve in the state legislature. We'll forever be grateful for her leadership."

Andres Cano, who currently represents District 3 —Cajero Bedford's former district —in the Arizona House of Representatives, said he too was saddened to learn of the passing of his dear friend.

"Olivia worked tirelessly to advocate for southern Arizona during her near 20 years in the legislature. She made us proud, she always showed up, and she was fearless. May she rest in power," Cano said in a statement.