‘Soldier for fact and justice’: Congress reacts to Rep. McEachin’s dying

Members of Congress from each side of the aisle are paying tribute to Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA), who died late Monday after a yearslong battle with most cancers.

McEachin, who had simply gained reelection to a fourth time period representing Virginia’s 4th Congressional District and was a member of the Home Committee on Power and Commerce, the Home Committee on Pure Sources, and the Choose Committee on the Local weather Disaster, died after a battle with colorectal most cancers, his workplace introduced late Monday night time.

VIRGINIA REP. DONALD MCEACHIN DEAD AT 61 AFTER BATTLE WITH CANCER

The information sparked instant responses from McEachin’s fellow Congress members in Virginia, together with Sens. Tim Kaine (D) and Mark Warner (D).

"I used to be final with him on election night time three weeks in the past, celebrating his win,” Kaine wrote in an announcement. “He was a mild large, a compassionate champion for underdogs, a local weather warrior, a Christian instance, an understanding dad, a proud husband, a loyal brother."

"Up till the very finish, Don was a fighter,” Warner mentioned. “Regardless that he battled most cancers and confronted different trials lately, he by no means misplaced his give attention to social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has misplaced an excellent chief and I've misplaced an excellent buddy."

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), who narrowly gained reelection in her high-profile Home race on Nov. 8, remembered McEachin as a “good man who endeavored to make others really feel vital.”

“He introduced his ardour for folks, his humorousness, and his abiding religion in God to his work on daily basis — and he was a relentless advocate for individuals who wanted a voice, our pure sources, and the folks he represented,” she mentioned in an announcement.

McEachin was additionally mourned by prime Democrats, together with Democratic Nationwide Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison.

“I’m heartbroken to listen to this devastating information about my buddy ⁦Rep. McEachin from Virginia,” Harrison mentioned in a tweet. “He was a foot soldier for fact & justice. He fought so valiantly in opposition to most cancers and will likely be without end missed!”

Some Republicans additionally responded to the information of McEachin’s dying, together with fellow Virginia Rep. Bob Good.

“It's with disappointment that I want to categorical my condolences to the McEachin household on the passing of my colleague, Rep. Donald McEachin,” Good mentioned in an announcement. “I'm grateful for the kindness he confirmed me through the two years we served collectively. My prayers are together with his household.”

McEachin was certainly one of 213 Democrats elected to the Home for the subsequent Congress, with two nationwide races nonetheless to be decided. His substitute will likely be chosen in a particular election that will likely be held at a later date chosen by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

“It’s so unhappy to study of the passing of Rep. McEachin. A valiant fighter till the tip, he admirably served Virginia & labored tirelessly to enhance the lives of his constituents & Individuals,” Youngkin mentioned in a tweet. “Suzanne & I are considering of his household, mates, & neighborhood throughout this tough time.”