Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings died Thursday due to “complications concerning longstanding health challenges,” his office said. He was 68.
Cummings died at 2:30 a.m. ET at the Gilchrist Hospice Care, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.
Cummings, who represented Maryland’s 7th Congressional District since 1996, served 12 terms in the House. He worked at the heart of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump as House Oversight Committee chairman, according to NBC News.
Cummings hadn’t participated in any roll call since Sept. 11. He had not returned to work since undergoing a health procedure.
Members of Congress, the media and social media users reacted to Cummings’ death early Thursday morning:
Rep. Elijah Cummings’ widow: “He worked until his last breath.” pic.twitter.com/gQeJPPtKjR
— Erin Cox (@ErinatThePost) October 17, 2019
This is a tragic loss for Baltimore and the country. #RIPElijah https://t.co/a1UOT7Fg9S
— Andrew Yang🧢⬆️🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) October 17, 2019
Rep. Elijah Cummings was a fierce champion for truth, justice and democracy—there was no one like him. He spent his lifetime fighting for Baltimore, Maryland and the American people. A huge loss for our nation. Andrea and I send our prayers to his wife and family. #RIPElijah https://t.co/0XwUQmQKMr
— Archive: Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) October 17, 2019
Deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Elijah Cummings. He was a giant, revered by all. Our prayers are with Maya and Elijah's family. #RIPElijah
— Rep. Ted Lieu (@RepTedLieu) October 17, 2019
Our nation has lost a mighty fighter for democracy, accountability, equity and justice with the tragic loss of Congressman Elijah Cummings. He never forgot that his was borrowed power, which he wielded in defense of the vulnerable and on behalf of the American people. #RIPElijah
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) October 17, 2019
Rest in Power, Elijah Cummings. pic.twitter.com/j9N9oIvH9O
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) 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
Mourning Rep. Elijah Cummings, my hero. I named my son after him because I want Eli to grow up to be a tireless fighter with a big heart and love and compassion for all. In @RepCummings’s honor, may we lives loves of purpose. Strive not only for common ground, but higher ground.
— Leana Wen, M.D. (@DrLeanaWen) October 17, 2019
Our country has lost a giant.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) October 17, 2019
Congressman Elijah Cummings was a true leader in our fight for a more fair and just society. A civil rights activist, a dedicated public servant, and a powerful force for good - he left his mark on our communities.
Rest in power, my friend.
Cummings recalled saying: “Mr. President, you’re now 70-something, I’m 60-something. Very soon you and I will be dancing with the angels. The thing that you and I need to do is figure out what we can do — what present can we bring to generations unborn?” https://t.co/RGEcZDRzMQ
— Erik Wasson (@elwasson) 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
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) October 17, 2019
Elijah Cummings was a dedicated public servant with 36 years of combined service in the MD House of Delegates and in Congress. A great American. His passing is a tremendous loss for the people of Baltimore and for the country. #RipElijah https://t.co/GOiA6jyhL0
— Kristen Clarke (@KristenClarkeJD) October 17, 2019
“Our diversity is not our problem. Our diversity is our promise” The Howard University Community mourns the loss of Congressman Elijah Cummings: Civil Rights activist, passionate servant leader, dedicated alumnus and faithful friend. pic.twitter.com/ZVEtix8c2g
— Howard University (@HowardU) October 17, 2019
Rest in Power, Rep. Elijah Cummings, The Prince of Baltimore.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) October 17, 2019
My deepest condolences for Rep. Elijah Cummings’ family, friends, and community as they mourn his passing.
— Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) October 17, 2019
He was an honorable man with a deep commitment to our nation and an inspiration too many of us as he fought for what’s right.
May he Rest In Power.https://t.co/4jB76PjDTP
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
Saddened to hear of the passing of a great statesman that I truly admired, US Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland. May he rest in power. pic.twitter.com/FhmuPO7WWw
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) October 17, 2019
Deeply saddened by the death of Elijah Cummings. We need more truly great Americans like him whose hearts & souls are in the right place. May he rest in power!!! https://t.co/aEysj5Qi1B
— Morgan J. Freeman (@mjfree) October 17, 2019
#ElijahCummings was one of the most honorable, selfless public servant who cared deeply for others. A powerful force for change. We will miss you brother. #WeAreBaltimore.
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) October 17, 2019
Rest in power.
An incredible man. A fierce warrior for justice! My God what a loss. Rest In Power Congressman! ✊🏾 https://t.co/tkB2NNiVVR
— Danielle Moodie (@DeeTwoCents) October 17, 2019
Big big loss. Let’s not let his efforts be in vain. #RIPElijah
— Justin Kanew (@Kanew) 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
Despite Trump’s attacks against him, Elijah Cummings had deep friendships and respect across the aisle in the Capitol - something not common today for a person holding a prominent position like he did. He was close to Mark Meadows but also other GOP lawmakers as well
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 17, 2019
GOP Rep Mark Meadows on Elijah Cummings passing: “I am heartbroken. Truly heartbroken.”
— Dana Bash (@DanaBashCNN) October 17, 2019
“I have no other words to express the loss.”Meadows and Cummings had a close personal relationship, despite being far apart politically.
Elijah Cummings was one of the best. A grievous loss for democracy at a perilous time.
— Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) October 17, 2019
At a time of chaos and division, our friend Elijah Cummings stood strong as a man of principle, unity, dignity, and compassion. His insatiable thirst for justice was rooted in his core. Maryland has lost a beloved son and our nation a hero of our times.
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) October 17, 2019
RIP Elijah Cummings, 68.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 17, 2019
A great man who fought for democracy, civil rights & justice.
'My life is based on pain, passion and purpose.' pic.twitter.com/MOh4ni2kg1
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings. A true giant and champion for democracy. He was a fighter and patriot who loved this country and left a lasting legacy in American history. Sending love and prayers to his entire family, friends and staff. pic.twitter.com/mF9lesX38W
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) October 17, 2019