‘Congress has lost a champion’: Twitter reacts to death of Elijah Cummings

Cummings became chairman of the House Oversight Committee in January when Democrats took over control of the House.

There was a bipartisan outpouring of praise for his legacy and support for his family.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings. He spoke truth to power, defended the disenfranchised and represented West Baltimore with strength and dignity. Congress has lost a Champion. Heaven has gained an Angel of Justice. May he forever #RestInPower,” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries said.

Republican Rep. Will Hurd of Texas wrote, “My thoughts are with the loved ones of Rep. Elijah Cummings and the Baltimore community today. He was a shining example of how to be a fighter for his constituents. It was an honor to know him and I will cherish that I had the honor of calling him my friend. He will be missed.”

“A champion for the poor and downtrodden, Rep. Elijah Cummings has departed. He strove through decades of service to bring justice and dignity to greater numbers in this world. We honor his life and his work, and pledge to continue his fight. Rest now, great soul,” said Star Trek star George Takei.

“My heart is saddened at the loss of a colleague and friend. Elijah cared deeply about public service and the importance of “representing your people”. Rest In Peace good and faithful servant,” former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said.

Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz canceled a scheduled press conference after news of the death, writing, “Due to the loss of our dear colleague Chairman Elijah Cummings, today’s previously scheduled press conference has been postponed. Many are in mourning and we hope that peace and comfort can enter the hearts of those who cared for Elijah #RIP.”

The 2020 presidential candidates also reacted to Cummings’ death.

Sen. Kamala Harris of California added, “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.”

“Rep. Elijah Cummings was a giant in the House, an unwavering champion for his district and all Americans, and a dear friend. My heart goes out to his wife Maya and his family,” Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said of the news.

Beto O’Rourke wrote, “We lost one of our best. A son of sharecroppers, who went on to represent one of our greatest cities; a fighter for justice, who always led with love—Rep. Elijah Cummings was everything right about America. He is already missed, but his legacy will be with us forever.”

“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,” New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said.

Marianne Williamson said that Cummings’ “presence lifted all of us to a better place,” adding that he “blazed a trail for the rest of us to follow.”

South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg memorialized Cummings by quoting him.

“I want justice, oceans of it. I want fairness, rivers of it. That’s what I want.” —@RepCummings, a man of courage and faith My deepest sympathies are with the Cummings family and his community. Let us honor him by insisting on justice and integrity in leadership, as he did,” Buttigieg wrote.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said, “It was my honor to work closely with Rep. Elijah Cummings over the years. His integrity and moral vision for his community and the country were extraordinary. He will be sorely missed. Jane and I are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Joe Biden released a statement that said Cummings “made us and our politics better.” He also said that the late congressman “helped shape the conscience of our nation.”