New Jersey Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., a 14-term incumbent and a fixture in his hometown of Paterson for more than four decades, has died
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., a 14-term incumbent and a fixture in his hometown of Paterson for more than four decades, died Wednesday, according to a statement from his social media account. He was 87.
Pascrell had been in and out of the hospital with an illness recently.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning,” Pascrell’s X accounted posted on Wednesday. “Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved.”
Pascrell was slated to run for a 15th term in the fall.
A lifelong resident of Paterson, Pascrell served in the Army and Army Reserve after college and graduate school. He worked as a teacher in Paterson and served on the Board of Education there from 1979 to 1982 before going on to the state Legislature.
He was Paterson’s mayor from 1990 to 1996, when he ran for Congress.
Longtime New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to his constituents. Pascrell, who represented New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District for over two decades, was known for his strong advocacy for working families, healthcare reform, and environmental protection.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Pascrell began his political career as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996. Throughout his time in office, he fought tirelessly for policies that would benefit the people of New Jersey, including expanding access to healthcare, improving infrastructure, and protecting the environment.
Pascrell was a vocal critic of the Trump administration and was known for his fiery speeches on the House floor. He was a staunch supporter of the Affordable Care Act and worked to protect and expand healthcare coverage for millions of Americans. He also championed efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment, advocating for clean energy initiatives and regulations to reduce carbon emissions.
In addition to his legislative work, Pascrell was known for his commitment to his constituents. He held regular town hall meetings and was always accessible to the people he represented. He was a tireless advocate for veterans, seniors, and working families, and worked to ensure that their voices were heard in Washington.
Pascrell’s passing is a great loss for the state of New Jersey and the country as a whole. His dedication to public service and his passion for helping others will be sorely missed. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, compassion, and hard work that will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
In a statement released after his passing, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy praised Pascrell as a “true public servant” who “dedicated his life to fighting for the people of New Jersey.” He added, “His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the policies he championed. We are grateful for his service and mourn his passing.”
As New Jersey mourns the loss of Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr., we remember him as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of his constituents. His legacy will endure, and his impact on the state of New Jersey will be felt for years to come.
