U.S. Rep Elijah Cummings Was A Leader Of The Trump Impeachment Inquiry
Early Thursday morning, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings died due to “longstanding health problems”, according to his office. He died at Gilchrist Hospice at 2:45 AM. The Baltimore civil rights advocate was 68 years old.
The Democrat had undergone a series of medical procedures in the past to address health issues involving an aortic valve replacement and knee infection. However, there was no indication of any current serious medical condition.
His wife Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, who is chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, released a statement.
“It’s been an honor to walk by his side on this incredible journey,” his wife said. “I loved him deeply and will miss him dearly.”
Cummings was the Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, which was in the process of implementing an impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump. The committee is one of three panels spearheading the impeachment inquiry.
A special primary and general election will be held to fill Cummings seat, per regulations. Republican Larry Hogan will issue a statement regarding the elections soon.
Born in 1951, Cummings spent all of his life in Baltimore. He attended Howard University and earned a political science bachelor’s degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors. In 1976, he graduated from the School of Law at the University of Maryland, passing the state bar.
He would go on to work for a small law firm and later start up his own practice. Cummings ran for state delegate and won in 1982, serving 14 years in the Maryland General Assembly. He then ran for Maryland’s 7th congressional district and served since 1996.
