Donald McEachin Passed Away!

Virginia lawmaker Donald McEachin passed away.

Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA) passed away from colorectal cancer. The lawmaker recently won his reelection. He was 61 years old. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and the Congressional Black Caucus were notified.

In 2018, McEachin revealed that he had developed a fistula after completing treatment for colorectal cancer in 2014, losing more than 60 pounds (27 kg) as a result. At a film screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever shortly before his death, McEachin endorsed early detection, saying, “Don’t fool around. Don’t go through my journey,” and “Go to the doctor.”

McEachin was first elected to Congress in 2016, serving Virginia's 4th District. He was re-elected to the House for a fourth term earlier this month.

"We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin," Tara Rountree, his chief of staff wrote. "Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013. Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first."

She continued: "Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents. The family asks for privacy at this time. Arrangements will be announced over the next few days."

McEachin was the third-ever African American to represent Virginia in the U.S. House.

Tountree, released a statement Monday night announcing McEachin's passing.

The lawmaker who represents Richmond, Petersburg, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Winsdor, Emporia, Chesterfield, Sussex and Hopewell.

That being said, Republican governor Glenn Youngkin will issue a special election to fill the seat. 

The district is reliably Democratic so it should be an easily won district. But again, we can not take our foot off the gas. Republicans will waste no time trying to convince the voters that within a mere few months, they are the party that did more despite doing nearly nothing the first two years of President Joe Biden's agenda.

McEachin will be the latest member who died while in office.

Rep.-elect Luke Letlow (R-LA) died from the coronavirus before taking office in late 2020, just after the election. The widow, Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) now holds the seat.

The following members have also died: 

Ron Wright (R-TX), coronavirus. Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX) now holds the seat.

Alcee Hastings (D-FL), cancer. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) now holds the seat.

Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), cancer and coronavirus. Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) now holds the seat.

Don Young (R-AK), natural causes. Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) now holds the seat.

Jackie Walorski (R-IN), fatal car accident. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) now holds the seat.