Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle are paying tribute to Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA), who died late Monday after a yearslong battle with cancer.
McEachin, who had just won reelection to a fourth term representing Virginia’s 4th Congressional District and was a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the House Committee on Natural Resources, and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, died after a battle with colorectal cancer, his office announced late Monday night.
VIRGINIA REP. DONALD MCEACHIN DEAD AT 61 AFTER BATTLE WITH CANCER
The news sparked immediate responses from McEachin’s fellow Congress members in Virginia, including Sens. Tim Kaine (D) and Mark Warner (D).
“I was last with him on election night three weeks ago, celebrating his win,” Kaine wrote in a statement. “He was a gentle giant, a compassionate champion for underdogs, a climate warrior, a Christian example, an understanding dad, a proud husband, a loyal brother.”
“Up until the very end, Don was a fighter,” Warner said. “Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never lost his focus on social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend.”
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), who narrowly won reelection in her high-profile House race on Nov. 8, remembered McEachin as a “good man who endeavored to make others feel important.”
“He brought his passion for people, his sense of humor, and his abiding faith in God to his work every day — and he was a relentless advocate for those who needed a voice, our natural resources, and the people he represented,” she said in a statement.
McEachin was also mourned by top Democrats, including Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison.
“I’m heartbroken to hear this devastating news about my friend Rep. McEachin from Virginia,” Harrison said in a tweet. “He was a foot soldier for truth & justice. He fought so valiantly against cancer and will be forever missed!”
Some Republicans also responded to the news of McEachin’s death, including fellow Virginia Rep. Bob Good.
“It is with sadness that I would like to express my condolences to the McEachin family at the passing of my colleague, Rep. Donald McEachin,” Good said in a statement. “I am grateful for the kindness he showed me during the two years we served together. My prayers are with his family.”
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McEachin was one of 213 Democrats elected to the House for the next Congress, with two national races still to be determined. His replacement will be chosen in a special election that will be held at a later date chosen by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
“It’s so sad to learn of the passing of Rep. McEachin. A valiant fighter until the end, he admirably served Virginia & worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents & Americans,” Youngkin said in a tweet. “Suzanne & I are thinking of his family, friends, & community during this difficult time.”
