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Rep. Donald McEachin passed away Monday night at the age of 61.
The 4th District congressman passed away after battling colorectal cancer, according to his chief of staff.
— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) November 29, 2022
Officials, including Sen. Tim Kaine, began issuing statements and recalling their work with McEachin last night.
“I met Donald McEachin in 1985 and we became fast friends. Anne [Holton] and I went to the Richmond party celebrating his marriage to Colette [McEachin, his wife and Richmond commonwealth’s attorney]. Our kids were the same age, we shared a statewide ticket with Mark Warner, and we’ve been together in the Virginia federal delegation for years. I was last with him on election night three weeks ago, celebrating his win,” said Kaine in a statement. “He was a gentle giant, a compassionate champion for underdogs, a climate warrior, a Christian example, an understanding dad, a proud husband, a loyal brother. ‘Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise.’ Psalm 90:12.”
Earlier this month McEachin was reelected for his fourth term in congress.
According to The Washington Post, he was the third-ever African American to represent Virginia in the U.S. House.
McEachin is survived by his wife, Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin and their three adult children — Mac, Briana and Alexandra.