Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., a prominent progressive Democrat from northern New Jersey, known for his fierce opposition to former President Donald J. Trump and commitment to helping "regular Americans pay their bills," has died at the age of 87. Described as a blunt and dedicated advocate for his constituents, Pascrell's passing marks the end of an era for New Jersey politics.

Pascrell, who was serving his 14th term in Congress, had been admitted to the hospital on July 14 due to a fever. According to reports, he had suffered a setback while receiving treatment for a respiratory infection and required breathing assistance. Although he had briefly been discharged, Pascrell returned to the hospital before his unfortunate demise.

Having been heavily favored to win re-election, Pascrell's potential victory would have made him the oldest member of the House of Representatives, as he would have been sworn in just before his 88th birthday in January. This distinction now falls to Representative Grace F. Napolitano, a California Democrat who will turn 88 in December.

Born on January 25, 1937, in Paterson, New Jersey, Pascrell came from a family of Italian immigrants and worked as a high school history teacher before entering politics. He served as a state legislator and was elected as the mayor of Paterson, his hometown, before being elected to Congress in 1996.

Throughout his nearly three decades in Congress, Pascrell focused on practical problem-solving and legislation aimed at assisting everyday Americans in meeting their financial obligations. He championed causes such as the prevention and treatment of head trauma in athletes and military personnel by founding the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, which allocated federal funds for the training and equipment of emergency workers in fire departments.

Pascrell's commitment to his constituents extended beyond legislative priorities. He fought against "corporate welfare" and criticized Ticketmaster for monopolizing sales to major events, accusing the company of colluding with scalpers and exploiting consumers. He also pushed for the designation of the Great Falls in Paterson as a National Historical Park, emphasizing the preservation of cultural heritage.

While Pascrell initially supported legislation restricting partial-birth abortions, he later expressed his stance against judicial or political interference in a woman's bodily decisions, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade case in 2022.

The prolific Democratic representative is survived by his wife, Elsie Marie, three sons, William III, David, and Glenn, as well as sisters Barbara Pascrell and Joyce Ferraro. He and his wife resided in Paterson throughout their lives.

With Pascrell's passing, Democrats now face the task of finding a replacement candidate for the forthcoming November elections. Party officials from Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties will select a new name by August 29. Until a new Congress is elected, Pascrell's seat will remain vacant, leaving a void in New Jersey's political landscape.

Representative Bill Pascrell Jr. leaves behind a legacy characterized by his unwavering progressiveness, a commitment to serving his constituents, and an unyielding dedication to challenging political figures he deemed unfit. His contributions will continue to resonate within the halls of Congress and among the people he fought tirelessly to represent.