McEachin had recently won re-election to his seat in the House of Representatives in Virginia’s 4th congressional district, seeing off a challenge from Republican candidate Leon Benjamin Sr. in the midterm elections.

“I’m heartbroken to hear this devastating news about my friend ⁦@RepMcEachin ⁩ from Virginia,” tweeted Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

“He was a foot soldier for truth & justice. He fought so valiantly against cancer and will be forever missed! #RestInPeaceMyFriend,” Harrison wrote.

L. Louise Lucas, president pro tempore of the Virginia state Senate, tweeted: “I served in the General Assembly with Donald McEachin for over 20 years, watching him make history as the first ever African American nominee for Attorney General of VA in 2001 before he went to Congress. Hearing the news of his death sent a shock of pain through me tonight.”

“His leadership in the Congress was felt throughout the Trump Presidency as he held him accountable and then helped Joe Biden pass his agenda through the past two years. We will miss him terribly,” Lucas said.

McEachin twice voted to impeach then President Donald Trump.

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia tweeted: “I met Donald McEachin in 1985—we became fast friends. A gentle giant, a compassionate champion for underdogs, a climate warrior, a Christian example, an understanding dad, a proud husband, a loyal brother.”

Kaine also quoted from Psalms, writing: “Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise.”

“Devastated to learn of the passing of our dear friend & treasured colleague, Rep. Don McEachin,” wrote Democratic Representative Joe Neguse of Colorado.

“He was a true trailblazer, whose legacy of service to our country will be remembered for years to come. Andrea and I are keeping his family in our prayers,” Neguse said.

Democratic Representative Ted Lieu of California wrote: “So heartbroken to hear our colleague Rep. Donald McEachin passed away. Don was a wonderful Member of Congress. He will be missed. I will keep his family and friends in my prayers.”

Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell of New Jersey said he was “stunned and deeply saddened tonight at the passing of our colleague and friend Rep. Donald McEachin.”

“Please say a prayer tonight and have a warm thought for Rep. McEachin’s family and his Virginia constituents. This is a dreadful loss,” Pascrell said.

“Very sad to learn of Rep. Don McEachin’s passing,” tweeted Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas. “Don was a consummate public servant, a climate champion, and a good man. My prayers are with his family and all those who loved him tonight. He will be terribly missed.”

McEachin’s chief of staff, Tara Rountree, announced his passing on Twitter on Monday, saying he had fought “valiantly” against the secondary effects of colorectal cancer since 2013.

“Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents,” Rountree’s statement said. “The family asks for privacy at this time. Arrangements will be announced over the next few days.”

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