Florida politicians mourn the passing of Elijah Cummings

Maryland Rep. Elijah E. Cummings died early Thursday due to complications from longstanding health challenges, his congressional office said. He was 68.

A sharecropper’s son, Cummings became the powerful chairman of a U.S. House committee that investigated President Donald Trump, and was a formidable orator who passionately advocated for the poor in his black-majority district, which encompasses a large portion of Baltimore as well as more well-to-do suburbs.

As news of Cummings’ death spread, Florida politicians reacted to the loss of this great leader:

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, via Twitter:

My condolences to the family of Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland who went to be with the Lord early this morning at 68 years of age.

May God grant his family strength & peace in these difficult moments & his soul eternal rest.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) October 17, 2019

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott via Twitter:

Ann & I send our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Rep. Elijah Cummings after his sudden passing.

He served the people of Maryland and our nation well for many years and will be missed on Capitol Hill. https://t.co/usHiQqSXQB

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 17, 2019

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, via Twitter:

America has lost a champion for justice and fairness.

Find a “wrong” to right in his honor, recommit to equal opportunity for all.
https://t.co/HroREflsyW

— US Rep Kathy Castor (@USRepKCastor) October 17, 2019

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, via Twitter:

Deeply saddened by the death of Elijah Cummings. He served his community, country & the House of Representatives with integrity, clarity & intensity. A man of great stature, he was also a caring, decent human being & thoughtful friend. His passing is a huge loss for all of us.

— Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) October 17, 2019

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz:

“When our nation can ill-afford to lose such a kind, principled leader, one of my dearest friends and mentors has left us. My heart is broken, as I weep personally and for his family and community. Elijah Cummings’ unmatched integrity and leadership leaves a remarkable legacy. But I know his struggle for justice and freedom lives on, as so many – like me – stand on his shoulders to carry on his courageous fight. May his memory be for a blessing.”

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, via Twitter:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of our dear colleague, the Honorable Elijah Cummings, a powerful force for truth and justice. Rest in peace, my friend, and dance with the angels. #ElijahCummings pic.twitter.com/4Z1blVULxm

— Rep Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) October 17, 2019

State Sen. José Javier Rodríguez via Twitter:

America has lost a champion for justice. https://t.co/meSBVy5F5g

— José Javier Rodríguez (@JoseJavierJJR) October 17, 2019

Florida House Minority Leader Kionne McGhee via Twitter:

I’m sadden by the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings. He was a great leader and his commitment to our community was unparalleled. I’m indebted to him for sharing his intellect, wisdom, insight and love for this country with me and this nation. SIP pic.twitter.com/XG2JA5fACg

— Kionne “Commish” McGhee (@kionnemcghee) October 17, 2019

State Rep. Ben Diamond, via Twitter:

I am saddened to hear about the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings. Today we lost a man of great impact and integrity who advocated tirelessly for justice and equality. May we, as a country, hold his example of activism, leadership and wisdom in our hearts. #RIPElijah

— Ben Diamond (@BenDiamondFL) October 17, 2019

State Rep. Anna Eskamani, via Twitter:

Rest In Power Congressman Cummings. You have left behind very big shoes to fill, and have inspired generations of people to fight alongside you for peace & justice.
https://t.co/zkDFzb6z3s

— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) October 17, 2019

State Rep. Shevrin Jones via Twitter:

Rest Well, @RepCummings! Thank you for being a leading light in the movement. You fought a great fight! pic.twitter.com/mHqVYluyLy

— Shevrin “Shev” Jones (@ShevrinJones) October 17, 2019

Former state Rep. Sean Shaw via Twitter:

Congressman Cummings dedicated his life in pursuit of justice. Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader.

We pause to pay homage to all the transformational things he did for his community and this country; also recognizing his legacy lives on as we continue this work.

— Sean Shaw (@SShawFL) October 17, 2019

Material from the Associated Press was used in this post.