Representative Elijah Cummings, longstanding champion for the city of Baltimore and the State of Maryland, passed away early this morning at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was 68 years old.
Cummings represented Maryland’s 7th Congressional District for 23 years. A former trial attorney, he became a national figure in January of this year when he was appointed as chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has ordered flags at the US Capitol to be lowered to mark Rep. Elijah Cummings’ death. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan also ordered flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff.
News of his passing led to an outpouring of tributes from state and local officials on social media.
I have ordered Maryland flags to fly at half-staff to honor the life and legacy of Congressman Elijah Cummings. We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends, family, and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/K1gKf06COB
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) October 17, 2019
Congressman Elijah Cummings was a dedicated public servant for 36 years, a trailblazer who was unafraid to speak up for what he believed in & the people he represented. His passing will undoubtedly be felt by the people of Baltimore and by people all across our state & nation. https://t.co/9wxDCdQep9
— Boyd Rutherford (@BoydKRutherford) October 17, 2019
.@RepCummings was a national treasure and a selfless leader who exemplified what public service meant. Elijah always fought for the little guy, working across the aisle on health care issues, prescription drugs & the importance of education as a way to open doors for every child,
— Speaker Jones (@SpeakerAJones) October 17, 2019
— Mayor Bernard C. Jack Young (@mayorbcyoung) October 17, 2019
I am heartbroken by the passing of @RepCummings. He leaves an unmatched legacy of service that all elected officials can only hope to match.
Baltimore has lost its Congressman and our country has lost a true American hero. My heart goes out to @MayaRockeymoore and family.
— Brandon M. Scott (@CouncilPresBMS) October 17, 2019
I will always treasure this photo.
I was shocked to learn this morning that Congressman Elijah Cummings passed away last night. I know that I am one of millions this morning who is deeply saddened, filled with love, and forever strengthened. pic.twitter.com/UntIndVzAA
I am heartbroken by the passing of @RepCummings. He leaves an unmatched legacy of service that all elected officials can only hope to match.
Baltimore has lost its Congressman and our country has lost a true American hero. My heart goes out to @MayaRockeymoore and family.
— Brandon M. Scott (@CouncilPresBMS) October 17, 2019
— County Executive Steuart Pittman (@AACoExec) October 17, 2019
Congressman Cummings will be sorely missed. He was impassioned by his constituents and empowered by God for a special time. We are deeply saddened by his passing, but rejoice in the certainty that he woke up this morning among the angels. His legacy will live forever. pic.twitter.com/jEBStCnWPv
— Angela Alsobrooks (@CEXAlsobrooks) October 17, 2019
Congressman Cummings believed in the power of government to improve lives, and he was a champion for those who needed a strong voice for them in Washington. He dedicated his life to the people of the Baltimore region, and we are better for his service. May he Rest In Peace.
— County Executive Johnny Olszewski (@BaltCoExec) October 17, 2019
Congressman Cummings dedicated his life to public service & was a model for always doing the right thing.He not only fought for his constituents but led the fight to save our democracy.His voice for truth & justice has made life better for everyone.May he rest in peace.#Cummings
— County Exec Gardner (@JanGardnerExec) October 17, 2019
Our world, our nation, our state, and our county are all mourning the loss of United States Congressman Elijah Cummings – an incredible man of deep convictions, a dedicated public servant, and a trailblazing historic figure. He was a fighter, and he was our fighter. pic.twitter.com/OQ0Q3zUkni
— Calvin Ball (@HoCoGovExec) October 17, 2019
He was a FORCE and his leadership, sensibility, and goodness will be tremendously missed. My wife and I are honored to have been in his presence and during those short interactions, we were filled up every, single time.
— Councilman_OpelJones (@CouncilmanOpelJ) October 17, 2019
Elijah Cummings inspired me to go into public service. From the moment I moved to Baltimore, I wanted to be like him. He spoke with complete moral clarity. Elijah invested love and mentorship into me.
Today I lost a dear friend. WE lost the voice of conscience for our country. pic.twitter.com/AL9yGItlQu
— Zeke Cohen (@Zeke_Cohen) October 17, 2019
A champion is lost, whose passion for truth and justice must ever endure and guide us. My heart breaks for his family and loved ones, and for his nation. Thank you, Congressman, rest in peace. https://t.co/4uKiyilUuW
— Liz Walsh (@LizWalshHoCoD1) October 17, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of @RepCummings today. My prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/F34prbelEc
— Craig Rice (@RicePolitics) October 17, 2019
There are few leaders like @RepCummings his ability to always stand for what is just and fair no matter the circumstance, is rare these days. We will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and staff. We mourn with you. May he Rest In Peace.
— Nancy Navarro (@nancy_navarro) October 17, 2019
I remember the first time someone spoke about a “dash”!!! How will your dash be thought of? Will the pastor have to enhance your dash?
This man’s dash was a testament to hard work, public service, and… https://t.co/dJfjzsOSrE
— Amanda Stewart (@ElectAmanda) October 17, 2019
