Rep. Donald McEachin of Virginia, a Democrat who was re-elected in the midterm elections of 2022, died on Monday after a long battle with cancer.
McEachin had represented the Richmond-area Fourth District of Virginia since 2016, according to Politico.
Since 2013, he had been battling cancer.
“We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin. Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013. Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first,” wrote Tara Rountree, McEachin’s chief of staff, in a statement announcing the congressman’s death and posted on the congressman’s Twitter account.
“Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents. The family asks for privacy at this time. Arrangements will be announced over the next few days,” the statement concluded.
— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) November 29, 2022
McEachin, the third African American to represent Virginia in the U.S. House, died at the age of 61.
In the aftermath of his passing, several of his fellow legislators have memorialized McEachin and celebrated his legacy.
“Tonight, I am mourning my friend, colleague, and mentor Congressman Donald McEachin. He was a good man who endeavored to make others feel important and heard whether in the courtroom, the General Assembly, the U.S. Congress, or simply in a quiet moment,” Democratic Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger tweeted.
Tonight, I am mourning my friend, colleague, and mentor Congressman Donald McEachin.
He was a good man who endeavored to make others feel important and heard whether in the courtroom, the General Assembly, the U.S. Congress, or simply in a quiet moment.
— Rep. Abigail Spanberger (@RepSpanberger) November 29, 2022
“Up until the very end, Don McEachin was a fighter. 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,” Democratic Virginia Sen. Mark Warner tweeted.
Up until the very end, Don McEachin was a fighter. 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.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) November 29, 2022
The Virginia Department of Elections stated that McEachin won his district election in November with 64.94 percent of the vote.
His opponent, the Republican Leon Benjamin Sr., earned 34.89 percent of the vote in the district.
Fox News claimed that, with McEachin’s demise, a special election will be required to replace his vacated seat.
Until that special election is held, the next Congress will begin with McEachin’s seat unfilled.
Politico stated that Republican Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will determine the date of the special election.