Aug 21, 2024 - Politics & Policy

New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell dies at 87

Andrew Solender

Rep. Bill Pascrell, wearing a blue suit and sitting in a tan leather chair. — Rep. Bill Pascrell during a Ways and Means Committee hearing on Dec. 5, 2023. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

Longtime Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) passed away on Wednesday at age 87, his office announced.

What they're saying: "It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning," Pascrell's office said in a post on X.

"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," the post continued.
"He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America."

What happened: The 14-term congressman was hospitalized in July for a fever and respiratory infection.

After three weeks, during which he required breathing assistance, he was discharged, but he was hospitalized again days later.
A former state legislator and mayor, Pascrell was first elected in 1996. He emerged in recent years as a strident critic of former President Trump.

Zoom in: Pascrell is the second member of New Jersey's congressional delegation to pass away this Congress.

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.) died at 65 in April after behind hospitalized for what his office said was a "cardiac episode."

What's next: Pascrell was running for re-election in his safely Democratic district and will be replaced on the ballot by county party officials.

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New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell dies at 87

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