What the death of Virginia Rep. Donald McEachin means for the new Congress

With the death of Democratic Representative from Virginia Donald McEachin, the new Congress will begin with a vacancy until there is a special election to fill that seat.

A reminder: You cannot be appointed to the House.

McEachin’s untimely death gives House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., no respite in his quest to become president. The new Congress will start with 434 members. The magic number for McCarthy remains 218 – an absolute majority of the entire body.

McEachin becomes the 7th member elected to the 118th Congress to die.

DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE FROM VIRGINIA. DONALD MCEACHIN DEAD AT 61 AFTER BATTLE WITH COLORECTAL CANCER

VIRGINIA HOLDS VIGILE IN HONOR OF VICTIMS IN WALMART FILMING

Representative-elect Luke Letlow, R-La., died before taking office in late 2020, just after the election.

The following members also died:

Late. Representatives Ron Wright, R-Texas, Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn., Don Young, R-Alaska, Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., and McEachin.

McEachin’s untimely death gives House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy no respite in his quest to become president.
(REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Congressman McEachin died Monday at the age of 61 following a battle with colorectal cancer.

McEachin was first elected to Congress in 2016, serving in Virginia’s 4th District. He was re-elected to the House for a fourth term earlier this month.

Congresswoman Tara Rountree’s chief of staff released a statement Monday night announcing McEachin’s passing.

McEachin becomes the 7th member elected to the 118th Congress to die.
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

“We are all devastated by the passing of our patron and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin,” Rountree wrote. “Valiantly, for years now we have seen 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 fought for them. and place them first. »

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The statement continued, « Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents. The family requests confidentiality at this time. Arrangements will be announced over the coming days. »

McEachin was the third African American to represent Virginia in the United States House.

Fox News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.