Politics can certainly be unpredictable. But this was the last thing anyone was expecting.
And Democrats are in a state of panic as this politician’s death has rocked Washington, D.C.
It’s not uncommon for tragic events to take place in the world of politics. Things can change for the worst at a moment’s notice.
But this latest tragedy seemed to come out of left field.
Rep. Bill Pascrell, Longtime NJ Congressman, Passes Away at 87
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), who represented New Jersey’s 9th District for nearly three decades, passed away Wednesday morning, as confirmed by his office.
The congressman, first elected in 1996, had been grappling with health issues and had not returned to Capitol Hill since July.
Pascrell was hospitalized in July due to a respiratory infection. After being moved to a rehabilitation facility in August, his condition worsened, leading to his readmission to the hospital only days later.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning,” a statement from Pascrell’s X (formerly Twitter) account said.
“As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved.”
“Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served. He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America.”
It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning. As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved. Bill lived…
— Bill Pascrell, Jr. 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@BillPascrell) August 21, 2024
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) also offered his condolences in an X post of his own.
“Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Congressman Bill Pascrell, a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion for our most vulnerable neighbors. We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones,” Murphy’s post read.
Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Congressman Bill Pascrell, a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion for our most vulnerable neighbors.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 21, 2024
We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/g69A6OpbK8
His district, which has a Cook Partisan Voting Index of D+8, has long been a Democratic stronghold.
Despite the GOP’s narrow majority in the House, the congressman’s passing is not expected to significantly shift the dynamics of upcoming votes.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is anticipated to continue collaborating with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to pass critical spending legislation.
Much of the current agenda still reflects priorities initially set by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) during the December 2022 session.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
