Rep. Bill Pascrell of N.J. Dies at 87, Family Says

Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., died at age 87, his family said on social media on Wednesday.

Pascrell, representing New Jersey's 9th congressional district, was repeatedly hospitalized this summer with a respiratory illness.

"As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved," his family said in a message posted to Pascrell's congressional social media account. "He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America."

Pascrell had served in the House since 1997 and was running for reelection in the Nov. 5 U.S. general election. Had he won, he would have been the oldest serving member of the House.

As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Pascrell led the fight for access to Republican former President Donald Trump's tax returns while he was in office.

Before his House tenure, Pascrell served as mayor of his hometown of Patterson, New Jersey, and as a state lawmaker. He worked as a high school teacher and college professor before getting into politics.

Pascrell's district is considered a safe seat for Democrats. According to state law, county party leaders will choose a nominee to replace him before an Aug. 29 deadline.