The Nation Mourns the Passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings

We lost a great one today. U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, who had served Baltimore since 1996 (never winning with less than 69 percent of the vote), has passed away. Representative Cummings had been in ill health in recent months and died this morning from longstanding complications. The chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee was 68.

He worked until his last breath, according to Cummings’ wife.

Statement regarding the passing of @RepCummings : "He worked until his last breath because he believed our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity… I loved him deeply and will miss him dearly." — @MayaRockeymoore pic.twitter.com/OLXVdHydoO

— MD Democratic Party (@mddems) October 17, 2019

Representative Cummings is being honored by politicians, journalists, and others this morning for his lifelong service to Baltimore and this country.

“Born a sharecropper’s son on Jan. 18, 1951, Cummings was told he was too slow to learn and spoke poorly, and he would never fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer. He died at 68 as one of the most powerful committee chairmen in the U.S. House.” https://t.co/YepSbfo1Yk

— Errin Haines (@emarvelous) October 17, 2019

My heart is heavy with a flood of tears waking up to the news my friend @RepCummings has died! Rest in peace my friend. May God be with your wife, your family, friends & the City of Baltimore who mourns your loss. May the Nation & the world remember your heat & your fight.

— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) October 17, 2019

I can not believe this news. May he Rest In Peace & Power. May we honor his legacy with every ounce of the best of who we are. #ElijahCummings

— Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) October 17, 2019

Wow. From Rep. Elijah Cummings' first floor speech: "I only have a minute, only sixty seconds in it… Just a tiny little minute, But eternity is in it." 4/25/96 #RIPElijahCummings pic.twitter.com/SV85PV74c0

— Tommy X-TrumpIsARacist-opher (@tommyxtopher) October 17, 2019

Elijah Cummings refused to be told what he could become or where his dreams might end. He refused to accept injustice in his community or inequality in his country. His towering presence will be missed but his legacy will live on with us all. https://t.co/HOVLcwjATh

— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) October 17, 2019

“When we're dancing with the angels, the question will be asked, in 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact? Did we stand on the sidelines and say nothing? Did we play games?” -Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., Feb. 27, 2019.

— Susan Davis (@DaviSusan) October 17, 2019

We’ve lost a leader like no other. Elijah Cummings was a lion when standing up for his beloved Baltimore & rights & truth. But he was also so kind, including to brand new senators like me a decade ago. His advice was as true as his love for his country. 💔 https://t.co/T5pLt24Jjv

— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) October 17, 2019

House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings “fought for Baltimore and for civil rights… known for his thunderous voice and his fearlessness.” #RIPElijah pic.twitter.com/EXQ7bnWbr4

— Isiah Whitlock Jr. (@IsiahWhitlockJr) October 17, 2019

We lost a giant today. Congressman Elijah Cummings was a fearless leader, a protector of democracy, and a fighter for the people of Maryland. Our world is dimmer without him in it.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 17, 2019

Today our country lost a true leader. Congressman Elijah Cummings was a friend, a passionate fighter for justice, and a powerful voice of moral conscience in our government who served his country for decades with dignity and integrity. I’m blessed to have known him. #RIPElijah

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 17, 2019

Deeply saddened by the passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings.

He spoke truth to power, defended the disenfranchised and represented West Baltimore with strength and dignity.

Congress has lost a Champion. Heaven has gained an Angel of Justice. May he forever #RestInPower. pic.twitter.com/3pg555ijFG

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) October 17, 2019

Our Chairman leaves behind a beautiful and powerful legacy. I am already feeling the impact of a little less grace in the world. Deep gratitude to have spent these early months in Congress guided by his wisdom. Rest in power @RepCummings pic.twitter.com/n4ekGvhAVx

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) October 17, 2019

Fittingly, he left this Tweet pinned on his account.

I'm begging the American people to pay attention to what is going on. Because if you want to have a democracy intact for your children, and your children's children, and generations yet unborn we've got to guard this moment…this is our watch. pic.twitter.com/ShTZwbQROP

— Elijah E. Cummings (@RepCummings) July 24, 2019

Rest in peace, Congressman Cummings.