House Democrat suddenly passes away just weeks after winning reelection: 'We are all devastated'

Virginia Rep. Donald McEachin (D) died Monday after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 61 years old.

McEachin's passing came less than three weeks after he won reelection to serve his fourth term in Congress representing the commonwealth's 4th Congressional District.

"We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin," said McEachin's chief of staff, Tara Rountree. "Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013. Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mourned McEachin's death in a statement that celebrated his passion for the environment.

"Congressman McEachin understood that every family — whether in the East End of Richmond or any community across America — deserves clean air, clean water and a healthy planet," she said. "He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, and he leaves behind a legacy that will improve the lives of all of our children for generations to come."

What happens to his seat?

Rountree said McEachin's office will remain open to serve his constituents until his replacement is elected.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) — who described McEachin as a "valiant fighter" who "admirably served Virginia & worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents & Americans" — will be responsible for setting the date for a special election to fill the now-empty seat.

The winner of that special election is likely to be a Democrat.

Virginia's 4th Congressional District, which includes Richmond, was represented by Republican Randy Forbes for eight consecutive terms. But after court-ordered redistricting transformed the district into a Democratic stronghold, McEachin has easily won election since.

With the exception of the 2016 election, McEachin has won election by 20 points or more. This year, he won by 30 points.

McEachin was survived by his wife, Colette, and his three children.