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DC Democratic Party Statement on the Passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings

October 18, 2019 | For Immediate Release


WASHINGTON, DC — The DC Democrats were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings yesterday morning. We mourn not only a beloved statesman, but a husband, a father, a fearless civil rights leader, an advocate for the poor, and a voice for justice.


The son of sharecroppers, Chairman Cummings embodied all that we are capable of when given the opportunity to succeed. After graduating with honors from Baltimore City College High School, Cummings went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in political science at Howard University before continuing his education at the University of Maryland School of Law. After practicing law for 19 years, Chairman Cummings was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, where he later become Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.


In response to the Chairman’s passing, DC Democratic Party Chair Charles Wilson released the following statement:


“With the passing of Chairman Cummings, we lost not only a legend in the realms of civil rights and politics, but a great human being. Chairman Cummings was an undisputed leader in more than just his home district of Baltimore. He was a shining example of what America stands for. His work ethic, energy, and presence will be missed, but his legacy and accomplishments will live on for generations to come. Our sympathy is with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and their family during this somber time.”


DC Democratic Party Vice Chair Linda Gray released the following in response to the Chairman’s passing:


“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings. We have lost a hero, a people’s champion, and a moral compass for America. I had the privilege of meeting Chairman Cummings in Philadelphia while serving as a delegate for Hillary Clinton in 2016. I witnessed his leadership after the 2016 convention as he convened the committee to build the Party’s platform. His ability to bring the Clinton and Sanders operatives together—leaders in their own right—yielded a strong platform for all Democrats to move forward in a unified direction. His strong presence in Congress, his style of leadership, his heartfelt work for civil rights, and love for all people will be truly missed. Rest in peace, Chairman Cummings.”


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Chartered by the Democratic National Committee as the elected representatives of the Democratic voters in the District of Columbia, the DC Democratic State Committee provides input in the affairs of the Democratic Party at the block, precinct, state, and national level by ensuring, preserving, and protecting the principles of Democracy, freedom, equality, and service for the common good through political action for good government, fair elections, quality elected officials, strong and vibrant communities, the election of a Democratic nominee for President of the United States, and voting rights and statehood for DC.

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