Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), a longtime Democrat congressman, has passed away at 87 years old after a period of ill health.
According to Pascrell’s office, the Democrat lawmaker passed away on Wednesday morning after being absent from Capitol Hill since July due to health complications.
The elderly congressman, who has been in the House of Representatives since 1996, was hospitalized in July due to a respiratory infection. In August, Pascrell was transported to a rehabilitation clinic, but was brought back to the hospital only a few days later.
Pascrell’s family issued a statement about his passing in a post on X, writing: “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 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
His colleagues and friends also posted on X to mourn his passing — including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D), who wrote: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/g69A6OpbK8
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 21, 2024
It is unclear who will replace Pascrell as the Democrat candidate for the upcoming November election, as he won his primary on June 4 against Mohamed Khairullah by a margin of 52.2%. He was slated to win in the D+8 district against his Republican challenger, Billy Prempeh, and two third-party challengers.
Prempeh also mourned Pascrell’s loss on X in a lengthy statement.
“Bill Pascrell Jr. was more than just a political opponent; he was a dedicated public servant who gave his life to the city of Paterson and the people of New Jersey’s 9th District,” he wrote. “While we often found ourselves on opposite sides of the political aisle, I have always respected Bill’s unwavering commitment to his constituents and his tireless work for the community we both call home.”
“I ask that we all keep Bill Pascrell and his family in our prayers during this difficult time… Rest in peace, Bill. Your fight for Paterson and your unwavering commitment to your constituents will never be forgotten,” his post concluded.
Bill Pascrell Jr. was more than just a political opponent; he was a dedicated public servant who gave his life to the city of Paterson and the people of New Jersey’s 9th District. While we often found ourselves on opposite sides of the political aisle, I have always respected… pic.twitter.com/RTumtGg37X
— Billy Prempeh (@BillyPrempeh) August 21, 2024
