Representative Elijah Cummings, long a powerful voice for civil rights, for human rights, and for simple justice in all its forms, has died. As the chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Cummings played a central role in defending the nation and Congress against the overreach and criminal activities of Donald Trump and provided key leadership as the House entered into the impeachment inquiry. His powerful presence, his thoughtful oratory, his strongly held convictions, his intrinsic sense of decency … all will be sadly missed.
“When we're dancing with the angels, the question will be asked, in 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact? Did we stand on the sidelines and say nothing? Did we play games?” —Rep. Elijah CummingsCummings spent his whole life as a citizen and leader of Baltimore, battling for equality, and in the process standing up to abuse, weathering criticism, and taking on injustice no matter the cost. Whether it was being pelted by bottles and stones as a child when he helped integrate the city’s segregated facilities, or holding neighborhoods together after the police murder of Freddie Gray, Cummings was the city’s great champion and defender; a representative of its citizens and its soul.
During the Benghazi hearings, Rep. Cummings emerged as the most powerful defender of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. His actions didn’t just help to stop what appeared to be a runaway partisan process in the House; they also won the admiration of his fellow representatives on both sides of the aisle. Over the last three years, he has been the subject of direct attacks by Donald Trump as he attempted to lead his committee in the role it was created to take, despite unprecedented resistance and opposition from the White House. He persevered through those attacks as he had through so many others—with grace and strength.
In addition to the chairmanship of the Oversight Committee, Rep. Cummings also served as chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. He was the first African American in the House to serve as speaker pro tempore. Born into a working class family, Cummings attended Howard University after a family friend recognized his potential and helped to provide his tuition. At Howard he was elected student body president. He was first elected to Congress in 1996.
For the last several years, Cummings faced a series of health issues that included heart surgery. He was 68. He is survived by three children.
Following Rep. Cummings’ death, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has 10 days to issue a proclamation for a special election. A primary election for the seat will be held within 65 days of the proclamation, and a general election within 65 days following the primary.