By Conor McGinley and Taylor Montford
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, a life-long civil rights activist who served in Congress for 12 terms and has been playing a critical role in the impeachment inquiry of President Trump, died early Thursday morning at the John Hopkins Hospital after battling long standing heart conditions, his office said. He was 68.
Cummings suffered from heart valve complications in 2017, which hospitalized him for two months. His health had continued to deteriorate since then, as he was seen with a motorized scooter and walker on Capitol Hill. His death came as a shock to most, as his hospitalization was never made public.
Cummings, who was born into a family of sharecroppers and Baptist preachers, grew up in Baltimore during the 1950s and 1960s. At only 11 years old, Cummings helped to integrate a local swimming pool whilst being attacked with bottles and rocks.
Cummings went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in political science from Howard University and then graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law. He received 13 honorary doctoral degrees from several universities throughout the country.
Cummings had a lengthy career that spanned across many decades in Maryland politics.
As a Democrat, Cummings was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1983, where he became the first African American to serve as speaker pro tem. He was elected in 1996 to serve the 7th Congressional District in the U.S House of Representatives and did so for 12 terms.
His popularity was reflected at the polls as he often received more than 70 percent of the vote and even ran unopposed in 2006.
A hero in his hometown, Cummings spent his years of service advocating for the poor and disenfranchised in his district, campaigning for stricter gun laws and aiding those who struggle with drug addiction.
He was a firm believer in bringing awareness to inner-city resident’s struggles, and created heavily debated approaches to assist them, such as the needle exchange program as a way to reduce the spread of AIDS. He said it was his moral duty to fight for his constituents.
Cummings emerged as a calming, empowered leader in his community during the 2015 riots following the death of Freddie Gray. After Gray’s death while under police custody, Cummings was seen in the streets of West Baltimore talking to members of the community, calming the masses and ensuring justice would be served.
While in Congress, Cummings served as the chair for the Committee of Oversight and Reform, which spearheaded the impeachment inquiry against President Trump. Cummings was sued in April by Trump, as he attempted to reveal Trump’s business records to the public. He also oversaw the testimony from Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen.
Their relationship became more bitter as Trump labeled Baltimore City “rodent infested” and then suggested that Cummings should spend more time fixing what the president called a “dangerous and filthy place.”
Despite the two’s turbulent relationships, Trump mourned the loss of Cummings via Twitter.
“My warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings,” Trump said. “I got to see firsthand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader. His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace.”
After Cummings death at approximately 2 a.m., his constituents began reflecting on his legacy.
Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young of Baltimore City said in a statement that Cummings “wasn’t afraid to use his considerable intellect, booming voice, and poetic oratory to speak out against brutal dictators bent on oppression, unscrupulous business executives who took advantage of unsuspecting customers, or even a U.S President.”
Hakeem Jeffries, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said in a Twitter post that he is deeply saddened by the passing of Cummings.
“He spoke truth to power, defended the disenfranchised and represented West Baltimore with strength and dignity,” Jeffries said. “Congress has lost a Champion. Heaven has gained an Angel of Justice. May he forever #RestInPower.”
In a statement, Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott said Baltimore has lost its congressman and the country has lost a true American hero.
“He was never satisfied with good enough and constantly sought solutions to our City’s most persistent problems,” Scott said. “He cared deeply about Baltimore and everyone in it.”
County Executive Johnny Olszewski said in a press release statement that Cummings believed in the power of government to improve lives, and he was a champion for those who most needed a strong voice speaking up on their behalf in Washington.
“He dedicated his life to the people of the Baltimore region, and we are all the better for his selfless service,” Olszewski said.
Towson President Kim Schatzel said Cummings was a national leader and advocate for civil rights, and a passionate champion for his hometown of Baltimore.
“This is a tremendous loss for our nation, Maryland and Baltimore,” Schatzel said. “Our thoughts are with all residents of greater Baltimore, and Rep. Cummings’ family, including his wife, Maya.”
Towson University student Randall Gardener shared his reaction to Cummings death.
“It’s sad to see us lose someone who was actually a hero in the community,” Gardener said. “I think a lot of people our age are detached from politicians, but you could see he was in touch with the people.”
Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, will assume the position as acting chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee until Democrats choose a permanent chair at a later date.