MoCo, Congressional Leaders React To Rep. Elijah Cummings Death

BETHESDA, MD — U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings — the powerful Maryland Democrat who chaired the House Oversight Committee and was a forceful opponent of President Donald Trump — died Thursday morning of complications from longstanding health challenges. He was 68.

Congressional and local leaders from Montgomery County are mourning the respected politician and civil rights advocate. Among them are U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, and County Council President Nancy Navarro.

Sen. Cardin praised Cummings for his unwavering commitment to his constituents in Baltimore and to people across the United States:

"Chairman Elijah E. Cummings and I shared a city, an alma mater, a love of the law and a life of public service. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and my prayers today are with his family and loved ones — and the people of Baltimore. The death of Chairman Cummings leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, in our Maryland and in our Congress.

"Quite possibly no elected official mattered so much to his constituents. Chairman Cummings guaranteed a voice to so many who would otherwise not have one, and stood as a symbol for the heights one could reach if they paid no mind to obstacles, naysayers and hate. His commitment to his city and country was unwavering, as will be my lasting respect for him."

On Thursday morning, Van Hollen tweeted out this message:

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.
— Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) October 17, 2019

Raskin, a fellow Democratic congressman from Maryland and member of the House Oversight Committee, called Cummings the "beloved favorite son of Maryland and the prophetic voice of moral integrity and social rebuilding that America needs so desperately."

.@RepCummings was the beloved favorite son of Maryland and the prophetic voice of moral integrity and social rebuilding that America needs so desperately. It is hard to measure the enormity of the loss we have just suffered. My statement on his passing: pic.twitter.com/7gxbmtHNCh
— Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) October 17, 2019

Elrich released a statement Thursday morning, saying:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of a great humanitarian. In this difficult time, my deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Maya, their family, friends, and the millions of others whose lives he impacted through his decades of selfless and indefatigable civil service. This is a tremendous loss for our state and the nation."

Speaking on behalf of the Montgomery County Council, Navarro said:

"The Montgomery County Council sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings. The people of Maryland have lost a fearless fighter for human rights and social justice. His integrity and unwavering leadership made our government and state stronger. Beloved by his constituents and all who had the honor of knowing him, we mourn his memory thinking about the difference he made in the lives of so many."