Democrat New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. dies at age 87

Democrat New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. died Wednesday at age 87 after a long hospitalization, according to an announcement from his family. 

Pascrell served 14 terms in the House and had been hospitalized since July.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning. As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved," the family's statement read.

"Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served. He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America," the statement continued.

Long-time health problems

After his election in 1996, Pascrell was a member of the Ways and Means Committee and he also helped coach the Democrat congressional baseball team.

Pascrell has had health problems since 2020, when he had heart surgery.

He was in the hospital for several weeks earlier this year before going back into the hospital in July.

Democrat New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy made a statement about Pascrell's death on Wednesday as well.

"Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Congressman Bill Pascrell, a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion for our most vulnerable neighbors," Murphy wrote.

"We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his wife, Elsie, as well as their three children — Bill, David, and Glenn — and six grandchildren," he added.

Democrat vacancies growing

Pascrell was a former high school history teacher who was known to spend hours talking about the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

He was the second-oldest member of the House, and would have been the oldest if re-elected this year.

Pascrell's death is the second one for congressional Democrats this summer after Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) died July 19. Fellow New Jersey Democrat House Member Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died in the spring.

Democrats currently have four vacancies in the House, making the Republican majority a little bit bigger at 220-211.