Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle mourn Cummings

Congressional Democrats and Republicans are taking to social media to share their condolences following the death of Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.).

The veteran lawmaker and civil rights advocate’s office said he died from “complications concerning longstanding health challenges” on Thursday morning. He was 68.

{mosads}“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,” Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) tweeted.

“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,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said in a tweet.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) tweeted that he had “lost a colleague who played a very prominent role in the constitutional responsibility of congressional oversight to make sure checks & balances of our govt work.”

“He will be missed + I send condolences to his family,” he added.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) in a tweet called Cummings a “giant” and a “universally respected leader who brought profound insight, commitment, and moral fortitude to Congress.”

“His guidance and vision was an enormous gift. I will forever cherish his example. May he rest in power,” she added.

“Our Chairman leaves behind a beautiful and powerful legacy,” Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) tweeted. “I am already feeling the impact of a little less grace in the world. Deep gratitude to have spent these early months in Congress guided by his wisdom. Rest in power.”

“Today our country lost a true leader,” Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) tweeted. “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.”

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) wrote on Twitter that the “news that our friend and colleague Elijah Cummings has passed away marks a sad day for the U.S. Congress, the people of Baltimore, and the entire nation.”

“He was a friend to all and sought to bridge divides, not widen them. Our prayers are with his loved ones,” she continued.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), meanwhile, described Cummings as “a lion” in a tweet early Thursday.

“But he was also so kind, including to brand new senators like me a decade ago. His advice was as true as his love for his country,” she continued.

And Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) tweeted that he was “tremendously saddened” by Cummings’s death and called his passing a “loss for Baltimore, Congress, and the country.” 

“He spoke truth to power, defended the disenfranchised and represented West Baltimore with strength and dignity,” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) tweeted. “Congress has lost a Champion. Heaven has gained an Angel of Justice. May he forever #RestinPower.”

Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) called Cummings a “shining example of how to be a fighter for his constituents” in a tweet and said 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,” he added.

“Elijah Cummings refused to be told what he could become or where his dreams might end,” Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) tweeted. “He refused to accept injustice in his community or inequality in his country. His towering presence will be missed but his legacy will live on with us all.” 

“My heart is broken, as I weep personally and for his family and community. Elijah Cummings’ unmatched integrity and leadership leaves a remarkable legacy,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said in a pair of tweets on Thursday morning. “But I know Chairman Cummings’ 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.” 

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) also shared a video of comments he made about Cummings on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“Well, I read the paper this morning. First thing I saw was Elijah’s passing and it was a like a gut-punch. He was an amazing man. He was not just a great congressman but he was a great man.”

“He was an amazing man. He was not just a great congressman; he was a great man.” —@SenSchumer on Rep. Cummings pic.twitter.com/z7YO7TsFKM

— Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) October 17, 2019

— This report was updated at 8:35 a.m.