Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell has died at 87. The New Jersey congressman served in the US House of Representatives since 1997. His family announced his passing on his official X page on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

Pascrell’s family said he fought to return to his job and the people he loved. He lived his entire life in Paterson and loved the city. He devoted his life to America and is now at peace.

Pascrell’s passing comes as Democrats gather for their convention in Chicago. Sen. Cory Booker, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi will pay tribute to him.

Pascrell was hospitalized for a respiratory illness and readmitted to the hospital after discharge. He was the second-oldest House member.

This is the second New Jersey congressman to die this year. Fellow Democrat Donald Payne Jr. died in April at 65. Pascrell was running for re-election in November.