Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders paid tribute to former U.S. Rep. John Conyers, Jr. during a rally in Detroit Sunday following news of his death.

Tlaib, who currently represents the region Conyers did for decades in Congress, called Sanders “our forever Congressman” who served and fought for Southeast Michigan for more than 50 years.

“He never once wavered in fighting for us,” Tlaib said, highlighting his work on civil rights before holding a moment of silence for him.

Sanders told the crowd Conyers was a dear friend whose life was an “enormous achievement," and said when he was first elected to Congress he sought out Conyers for his progressive leadership.

He said Conyers is the one most responsible for having a national holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. and praised his longtime support of single payer health care.

“Long before it was popular, John Conyers understood that healthcare is a human right,” Sanders said.

“I want to thank you for a life of extraordinary service - thank you very much, John for what you have done,” Sanders said.

Conyers died Sunday, Oct. 27, at the age of 90. Detroit police confirmed Conyers died earlier this afternoon at his Detroit home.

Conyers served in Congress for more than 5 decades. He resigned in December 2017 amid sexual harassment allegations.