Representative Elijah Cummings passed away early this morning at the age of 68. A Baltimore City native, he represented Maryland’s seventh district, which includes the majority of Howard County as well as parts of Baltimore County and Baltimore City, since 1996. The Horizon Foundation issued the following statement in response.
“We are very saddened to learn of the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings this morning,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “Congressman Cummings was a giant, in stature, in voice and in championing health and wellness for all Marylanders. We are thankful for his dedicated service to our region for so many years, and we will greatly miss his leadership.”
“Congressman Cummings was a truly passionate advocate for all Marylanders, especially the less fortunate,” said Greg Olaniran, chair of the board of trustees of the Horizon Foundation. “He was a shining example of a dedicated public servant, working tirelessly to make the lives of his constituents better. He leaves a legacy of leadership, service and compassion that will long be felt in our state and nation.”
The son of sharecroppers, Rep. Cummings rose to become the chairman of the powerful House Oversight and Reform Committee. Before serving in Congress, Rep. Cummings spent 14 years in the Maryland House of Delegates and became the first African American in Maryland history to be named Speaker Pro Tem.
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