WASHINGTON Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings, the sharecroppers ‘ son who fought for racial justice in his beloved Baltimore and in recent years took over the trump administration, died Thursday.

He was 68 years old.

Cummings succumbed to what his office characterized as “complications relating to long-standing health problems” around 2:30 a.m. at a hospice affiliated with Johns Hopkins hospital, his office said in a brief statement.

Cummings has represented Maryland’s 7th congressional district since 1996 and was at the center of an impeachment investigation into President Donald trump in his role as Chairman of the House oversight Committee.

Cummings, known for his soaring oratory, said during a key hearing in February when presidents former lawyer and personal fixer, Michael Cohen, testified before his Committee While dancing with angels, the question is well asked: In 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact? We stood aside and said nothing?

He first rose to the heights of political power in his native Baltimore, never leaving the downtown area, and served for 14 years in the Maryland house of delegates and became the first African American in Maryland history to be named speaker Pro TEM.

Cummings was one of seven children whose parents were South Carolina sharecroppers who moved North for better opportunities. The Congressman credited his parents with both preachers with instilling in him the moral code that led him into public service.

In 2015, when riots broke out on the streets of Baltimore following the death of a 25-year-old black man who was assaulted in custody, Cummings called for justice, calling for calm.

He was the victim of what Democrats said were racist attacks by the President, who tweeted that his constituency covering parts of Baltimore was a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess.”

“Congressman Elijah Cummings has done a very bad job for his district and the city of Baltimore,” trump tweeted over the summer, saying the Congressman “failed badly.”

And when Cummings ‘ home was burgled in August, trump tweeted, really bad news! Baltimore house Elijah Cummingses was robbed. Very bad!

“I have to see firsthand the strength, passion and wisdom of this respected political leader,” trump said. “His work and voice on so many fronts will be very difficult, if not impossible, to replace!”

Despite this era of deep partisanship, Cummings emphasized his friendship with members across the aisle, such as Rep. mark meadows, R-N. C., who until a few months ago, was Chairman of the conservative freedom Caucus.

Cummings has served in Congress since he won a special election in 1996 to fill the seat previously held by Kwaysi Mfume.

As members introduced Cummings on the house floor in 1996, Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., now the majority leader, said, these words represent the heart of what Elijah Cummings is all about: a consummate legislator, dedicated public servant, consensus Builder, fighter for what is right; a man, as you will all find, of drive and determination, a man who rose to leadership through integrity, hard work, and faith in the good in humanity.

Cummings graduated from Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, where he served as President of student government, and graduated from the University of Maryland school of law.

He was an active member of the New Psalmist Baptist Church, according to a biography on his congressional website, and is survived by his wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, 48, who serves as Chairman of the Maryland Democratic party.

“Congressman Cummings was an honorable man who proudly served his district and nation with dignity, honesty, compassion and humility,” the statement said. “He worked until his last breath because he believed that our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity, and that the diversity of our countries was our promise, not our problem. It was an honor to walk beside him on this incredible journey. I loved him deeply and will miss him dearly .”

Republic’s Elijah Cummings, then incoming Chairman of the congressional Black Forum, spoke at a press conference in 2002.Tom Williams / C’ – Roll Call via Getty Images

Reacting to the news of his death, several Church members mourned their longtime colleague and friend, saying his loss is a loss not just for Baltimore but for the country.

“We lost a giant today,” Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., tweeted. “Congressman Elijah Cummings was a fearless leader, a defender of democracy and a fighter for the people of Maryland. Our world is dim without him in it .”

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the statement said, when our nation can ill afford to lose such a kind, principled leader, one of my dear friends and mentors has left us. My heart is broken as I cry personally and for his family and community .”