Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., a prominent figure in New Jersey politics and a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 87. Pascrell, who served 14 terms in Congress, was known for his unyielding dedication to his constituents and his sharp rhetoric against those he opposed, particularly during the Trump administration.
Pascrell's family announced his passing in a statement posted on his official social media account, stating, "It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning. As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved." The statement highlighted Pascrell's lifelong connection to Paterson, New Jersey, where he was born, raised, and later served as mayor before his long tenure in Congress.
Pascrell's death comes as the Democratic Party gathers for its national convention in Chicago, where tributes to the late congressman are expected from prominent figures such as Senator Cory Booker, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pascrell had been hospitalized earlier this summer due to complications from a respiratory illness and was briefly discharged before being readmitted to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey.
Throughout his political career, Pascrell was known for his fierce advocacy on a range of issues, from healthcare to tax reform. As a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, he played a pivotal role in the fight to gain access to Donald Trump's personal tax returns, a battle that became emblematic of his broader opposition to the former president.
Pascrell's sharp criticisms of Trump were widely recognized, particularly on social media, where he frequently took to Twitter (now known as X) to voice his disapproval. One notable tweet came in response to Trump's derogatory comments about certain countries, where Pascrell stated that Trump had "made a fool of himself" on the world stage, showing "bigoted tendencies in ways that would make Archie Bunker blush." His social media presence was marked by daily posts reminding his followers of Trump's legal troubles, reflecting Pascrell's unwavering commitment to holding the former president accountable.
Born on January 25, 1937, in Paterson, Pascrell was the grandson of Italian immigrants. His early life in New Jersey's third-largest city shaped his deep connection to the community, a bond that he carried throughout his political career. After earning a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in philosophy from Fordham University, Pascrell served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve before embarking on a career in education as a high school history teacher and adjunct professor.
Pascrell's political journey began in the late 1970s with his involvement in local school boards, including the Paterson Board of Education and the Passaic County Community College Board of Trustees. He entered the New Jersey General Assembly in 1987 and simultaneously served as Paterson's mayor before being elected to Congress in 1996.
During his time in Washington, Pascrell was a vocal advocate for restoring the full state-and-local tax (SALT) deduction, a policy crucial to his New Jersey constituents. He also championed the development of clean energy projects, including offshore wind energy, and worked to raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries, particularly among military personnel.
Pascrell's death marks the second loss of a New Jersey congressman this year, following the passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in April. Pascrell had been seeking re-election to his 9th District seat in November, where he was favored to win against his Republican challenger, Billy Prempeh.
With Pascrell's passing, New Jersey's Democratic county committee members will have until August 29 to select a new nominee for the upcoming election, according to state election law. Pascrell's legacy, however, will be remembered for his fierce dedication to his constituents, his unwavering commitment to his principles, and his relentless opposition to those he saw as threats to American democracy.
Pascrell is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Elsie Marie Botto, their three children, and five grandchildren. His passing leaves a significant void in New Jersey politics and the broader national landscape, where his voice was both influential and uncompromising.
