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RICHMOND – Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.) died Monday, just weeks after winning re-election to Congress, his office announced. He was 61 years old.
McEachin had represented Virginia’s 4th District, which stretches from Richmond to the North Carolina line, since 2017. Before that, he had served nine years as a state senator and eight as a delegate.
“We are all devastated by the death of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin,” McEachin’s chief of staff, Tara Rountree, said in a statement Monday night. “Bravely, for years, we have watched him fight and triumph over the side effects of his 2013 colorectal cancer. Tonight, he lost that battle and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always he fought for them. and put them first.”
A minister and attorney, McEachin was the Democratic nominee for state attorney general in 2001, losing to Republican Jerry Kilgore. State Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) recalled “watching him make history as the first African-American candidate” for that office. He was only the third African-American to represent Virginia in the United States House.
Although McEachin’s health struggles had been known for years, his death still took many by surprise.
“Hearing the news of his passing sent me into a shock of grief tonight,” Lucas tweeted.
McEachin has spoken publicly about his battle with cancer and did so two weeks ago. At a packed movie theater hosting a viewing party for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” McEachin stressed to the crowd “the importance of early detection,” and called for regular screenings, as WTVR reported in the event “Don’t be a fool. Don’t go through my ride,” McEachin said. “Go to the doctor.”
In 2018, McEachin attributed dramatic weight loss to complications from her cancer treatment and walking miles around the Capitol each week. The following year, he underwent two surgeries after developing a fistula, which his doctor described to the Richmond Times-Dispatch as “an abnormal connection between the bladder and the colon.” That year he was also hospitalized for a blood clot.
But in 2020, McEachin told the Times-Dispatch that he was overcoming health issues that at one point had caused him to shed 60 pounds from his 6-foot-5 frame.
“God brings you to things, and then He makes you happen,” he told the newspaper at the time.
In 2016, a Washington Post profile described the newly elected congressman as a “Star Trek fanatic” who is “both goofy and cerebral.” McEachin, a German-born Army brat, studied political science at American University before earning a law degree at the University of Virginia. His wife, Colette McEachin, is the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney. They are parents of three adult children.
McEachin faced Republican Leon Benjamin, also a minister, this year and in 2020. The Democrat won this year with nearly 65 percent of the vote.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) joined McEachin three weeks ago to celebrate the congressman’s victory.
“He was a gentle giant, a compassionate champion for the underdog, a climate warrior, a Christian example, an understanding father, a proud husband, a loyal brother,” Kaine said in an emailed statement from his office. .
In Congress, McEachin was known as a passionate advocate for environmental justice and policies to mitigate climate change, with a strong focus on their disproportionate impact on disadvantaged or minority communities.
In line with these priorities, McEachin had co-founded the United for Climate and Environmental Justice task force, while serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. He also fought to preserve historic land and natural beauty, such as the Great Dismal Swamp in southeastern Virginia.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement mourning McEachin’s death that he was “a tireless champion for Virginia families and a force for economic opportunity and environmental justice.
“A respected voice on the Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources Committees, he advocated to lower costs, expand broadband access and protect families from gun violence,” Pelosi said. “His many contributions to our Select Committee on the Climate Crisis helped lay the essential groundwork for our climate action over the past two years, particularly important progress towards environmental justice.”
Rountree said the congressional office will remain open and continue to serve McEachin’s constituents until a new representative is elected. A special election for his replacement will be called on a date chosen by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).
“Heartbroken to learn of the death of Don McEachin,” tweeted Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), who represents parts of Northern Virginia. “A noble friend, husband and father. An environmentalist, a champion of civil rights, a faithful public servant and a man of consequence. There was no better ally to have. I will miss him dearly.”
Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.), who served with McEachin in the state Senate, said McEachin was a dear friend and mentor and “a hell of a legislator and leader,” the “trusted adviser and presence always reassuring, they helped me learn the ropes of public service in Richmond.” He said he wouldn’t be in Congress today if it weren’t for him.
“As I considered making the decision to run again in 2017 and visited him on Capitol Hill,” Wexton wrote in a statement, “he left me with a farewell note that had the words of Thomas Paine written on it.: ‘These are the times that test men’s souls. The soldier of summer and the patriot of the sun, in this crisis, will shrink from the service of his country; but what remains there now deserves the love and thanks of men and women.” Donald insisted that he and I were not “sunshine patriots.” For his words of inspiration and belief in me, I am eternally grateful. I will greatly miss my friend’s wisdom and encouragement.”
The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement calling McEachin’s death “a giant loss for our Commonwealth.”
“Congressman McEachin was a brilliant and compassionate human being,” she said. “His love for humanity was always paramount in his work, whether it was on civil rights, the environment, energy or voting rights. His is a voice that will surely be missed, as well as his very presence”.