BREAKING: NJ Dem Rep Bill Pascrell dead at 87

Rep Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) died on Wednesday morning at the age of 87. This comes after the 14-term congressman had spent a period in the hospital for respiratory issues.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning," his family announced. "As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved. Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served. He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America."

According to the Daily Mail, Pascrell was hospitalized in July for respiratory issues and had needed "breathing assistance," and spent some time in intensive care. He had been discharged on August 7 but was readmitted to the hospital four days later.

This is the second New Jersey Democrat to die in office this year. 65-year-old Donald Payne suffered a heart attack in April and later succumbed to complications. Pascrell, who frequently criticized Trump, was among the oldest members of the House, with Grace Napolitano of Texas also being 87. The oldest member of Congress between both chambers is Senator Chuck Grassley, 91.

County party leaders will now have to select who the party will put forward to go against GOP candidate Billy Prempeh. In the 2022 election cycle, Pascrell beat Prempeh 55 to 42.