Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., known for his sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 84, according to an official statement on his social media account. The announcement expressed deep sadness and described Pascrell as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who dedicated his life to serving the people he loved.

Pascrell had a long and storied career in New Jersey politics, spanning four decades. He was an influential figure in rough-and-tumble New Jersey politics and gained a reputation for his spirited approach. Pascrell was the second-oldest member of the House, with Representative Grace Napolitano being the only member older than him. The oldest member of Congress is Senator Chuck Grassley, who will turn 91 on September 17th.

The Congressman had recently been running for re-election to his 9th District seat in November. Seeking a 15th term, Pascrell was the favorite in his district, particularly considering his resounding victory in the previous election. In 2020, he defeated his Republican opponent Billy Prempeh by a double-digit margin with 55% of the vote. Pascrell's popularity resonated with the deep-blue 9th Congressional District, which also favored Joe Biden by 19 percentage points in the presidential race.

Born on January 25, 1937, in Paterson, New Jersey, Pascrell came from humble beginnings as the grandson of Italian immigrants. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge in 1967. Pascrell pursued higher education, earning a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in philosophy from Fordham University. He then worked as a high school history teacher and served as an adjunct professor.

His political journey began in the late 1970s, serving on local school boards, including the Paterson Board of Education, where he eventually became president. Pascrell's political rise continued when he won the mayoral race in Paterson and held both positions simultaneously, a common practice in New Jersey at that time. In 1996, he was elected to Congress.

During his time in Washington, Pascrell served on various committees, including House Transportation and Infrastructure, Homeland Security, Budget, and Small Business. Notably, since 2007, he held a prominent position on the powerful tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, where he led the charge for access to Trump's personal tax returns.

Throughout his congressional tenure, Pascrell advocated for numerous causes that directly impacted his constituents. He fought for the restoration of the full state-and-local tax deduction (SALT), supported the development of offshore wind energy and other clean energy initiatives, and raised awareness about traumatic brain injuries among military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, Pascrell's vocal opposition to Donald Trump arguably gained him the most attention in recent years. With his unabashedly partisan attacks, often conveyed through Twitter, Pascrell didn't shy away from calling out what he perceived as Trump's divisive and harmful actions. He gained a substantial following for his sharp, and at times acerbic, criticism of the former president.

The passing of Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell Jr. has left a void in both New Jersey politics and the Democratic Party. His dedication to public service, unwavering love for his hometown, and fiery spirit will be remembered by his loved ones, constituents, and colleagues. Bill Pascrell Jr.'s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of politicians and public servants striving to make a difference in their communities and country.