Sitting Democratic Congressman Bill Pascrell Dies
Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey passed away at the age of 87. His family announced his death, highlighting his dedication to serving the people of Paterson, where he lived his entire life. Pascrell, who served 14 terms in Congress and was one of the oldest members of the House, was also a former mayor of Paterson. He had recently been hospitalized due to health issues but was seeking re-election at the time of his death.
Earlier in the year, Pascrell faced criticism from mayoral challenger Mohamed Khairullah regarding his stance on Israel and the Gaza conflict. Though he defended Israel’s right to self-protection, he later expressed concern over the suffering in Gaza, advocating for a ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Following his retirement announcement, New Jersey state law allows party leaders to select his replacement on the ballot. Amidst the tributes, Pascrell is remembered for his commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and his advocacy for peace in the region.
Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey died Wednesday at the age of 87.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning,” stated an announcement that was posted to the representative’s X account by his family.
“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 said.
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. Bill lived…
— Bill Pascrell, Jr. 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@BillPascrell) August 21, 2024
“He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America,” the Wednesday post said.
Pascrell was the second-oldest member of the House, according to NBC.
Retiring Democratic Rep. Grace Napolitano of California, who is also 87, is the oldest member of the House. Napolitano has announced her retirement at the end of this term.
Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, 90, is the oldest sitting member of Congress.
Pascrell served 14 terms in the House. He had been seeking re-election.
This summer, he suffered a fever related to a respiratory illness. On Aug. 7, he was discharged from a hospital but was readmitted four days later.
New Jersey state law will allow party leaders to select his replacement on the ballot.
Pascrell, who served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, was formerly mayor of Paterson, New Jersey.
Earlier this year, Pascrell defeated Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah in a Democratic primary, according to CNN.
Khairullah attacked Pascrell for his support of Israel.
In December, Pascrell said the people of Israel “have every right to protect themselves and defend themselves” after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, according to the New York Post.
Khairullah claimed that Pascrell did not keep his word to Muslims in his district that he would always support them.
“The fact is, at a moment’s notice, he turned his back from them despite the fact that all they asked for is for him to make a statement calling for a cease-fire,” Khairullah said during the primary, according to the New Jersey Monitor.
Heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Rep. Bill Pascrell – an outspoken advocate of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship throughout his long tenure in Congress.
May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/QZKgfLtgVT pic.twitter.com/dQAbMBohIG
— Jason Koppel 🎗️ (@JasonKoppel) August 21, 2024
In March, however, Pascrell said he wanted the conflict brought to a close.
“The scale of suffering in Gaza is ghastly and unacceptable, and my heart aches for those affected,” he said then. “Only with a ceasefire of hostilities can we provide the robust support and medical care necessary to address this crisis of historic proportion. As always, our long-term goal must be two states living side-by-side in peace and security.”
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