Democratic presidential candidates took to Twitter on Thursday to mourn the loss of longtime Rep. Elijah Cummings Elijah Eugene CummingsBlack GOP candidate accuses Behar of wearing black face in heated interview Overnight Health Care: US won't join global coronavirus vaccine initiative | Federal panel lays out initial priorities for COVID-19 vaccine distribution | NIH panel: 'Insufficient data' to show treatment touted by Trump works House Oversight Democrats to subpoena AbbVie in drug pricing probe MORE (D-Md.), who died from health complications at 68 earlier in the morning.

Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisTexas Democratic official urges Biden to visit state: 'I thought he had his own plane' The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden on Trump: 'He'll leave' l GOP laywers brush off Trump's election remarks l Obama's endorsements A game theorist's advice to President Trump on filling the Supreme Court seat MORE (D-Calif.) was the first candidate to issue a statement on the House Oversight and Reform Committee chairman's passing, calling Cummings a “giant” in an early morning tweet.

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“Congressman Elijah Cummings was a fearless leader, a protector of democracy, and a fighter for the people of Maryland. Our world is dimmer without him in it,” Harris tweeted.

We lost a giant today. Congressman Elijah Cummings was a fearless leader, a protector of democracy, and a fighter for the people of Maryland. Our world is dimmer without him in it. — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 17, 2019

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Amy Klobuchar3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Social media platforms put muscle into National Voter Registration Day Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight MORE (D-Minn.) described Cummings as “a lion.”

“But he was also so kind, including to brand new senators like me a decade ago. His advice was as true as his love for his country,” she continued.

We’ve lost a leader like no other. Elijah Cummings was a lion when standing up for his beloved Baltimore & rights & truth. But he was also so kind, including to brand new senators like me a decade ago. His advice was as true as his love for his country. https://t.co/T5pLt24Jjv — Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) October 17, 2019

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Tulsi GabbardRepublicans call on DOJ to investigate Netflix over 'Cuties' film Hispanic Caucus campaign arm endorses slate of non-Hispanic candidates Gabbard says she 'was not invited to participate in any way' in Democratic convention MORE (D-Hawaii) tweeted that she was “very sad” by the news of Cummings’s passing and offered condolences to the Maryland Democrat’s family.

“My heart goes out to the Cummings family during this difficult time,” Gabbard wrote. “Elijah Cummings dedicated his life to service and will truly be missed.”

Very sad news this morning. My heart goes out to the Cummings family during this difficult time. Elijah Cummings dedicated his life to service and will truly be missed. https://t.co/J4ZOZ8f2lu — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) October 17, 2019

Author Marianne Williamson Marianne WilliamsonMarianne Williamson discusses speaking at People's Party Convention Fewer people watched opening night of Democratic convention compared to 2016 Marianne Williamson: Democratic convention 'like binge watching a Marriott commercial' MORE said the congressman was “someone whose presence lifted all of us to a better place.”

“The example of both his personhood and his politics blazed a trail for the rest of us to follow. May he Rest In Peace, and in his honor may we carry on,” Williamson continued.

Congressman Elijah Cummings (1951-2019) was someone whose presence lifted all of us to a better place. The example of both his personhood and his politics blazed a trail for the rest of us to follow. May he Rest In Peace, and in his honor may we carry on. — Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) October 17, 2019

Sen. Cory Booker Cory Anthony BookerThe movement to reform animal agriculture has reached a tipping point Watchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE (D-N.J.) said in a statement that he was "profoundly saddened by the passing of my friend, colleague, and role model Congressman Cummings."

"He was a dedicated public servant who fought every day for the people of Baltimore and set the standard for moral leadership in our country. His love of country was evident as a defender of our democracy and a tireless advocate for freedom, equality, and justice," Booker added. "Congressman Cummings was a man of principle and courage and it was an honor and a privilege to serve alongside him in Congress. My condolences to his family, friends, staff, and admirers. May this American hero rest in peace."

"We are struck this morning to hear the news about the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings," former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro tweeted on Thursday morning. "His death is a tragedy not just for the city of Baltimore, but for our entire nation, and for all of those who fight for justice."

We are struck this morning to hear the news about the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings. His death is a tragedy not just for the city of Baltimore, but for our entire nation, and for all of those who fight for justice.https://t.co/2syNdZD3if — Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) October 17, 2019

Former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenFormer Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick Bloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida MORE said in a statement that Cummings “knew the fights that needed a champion, and he never hesitated to jump into the fray.”

“He was a true public servant, his life defined by the love of his community and a fierce commitment to ensuring truth wins over power,” Biden continued. “Whether facing a hail of bottles and insults as a young man marching to integrate a swimming pool or giving voice to the frustrations of so many communities demanding to be treated with dignity, or rushing to calm the city’s streets, bullhorn in hand, after the funeral of Freddie Gray, Elijah’s life of action was synonymous with the history and progress of modern Baltimore.”

Former Rep. John Delaney John DelaneyCoronavirus Report: The Hill's Steve Clemons interviews Rep. Rodney Davis Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer says Trump right on China but wrong on WHO; CDC issues new guidance for large gatherings The Hill's Coronavirus Report: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says country needs to rethink what 'policing' means; US cases surpass 2 million with no end to pandemic in sight MORE (Md.) said he and his wife, April, are “heartbroken about the loss of our good friend Elijah Cummings.”

“We loved everything about him - he was a man of character, intelligence, kindness and grace. Our nation has lost one of our truly great leaders. We pray for him, for the wonderful Maya and his family," he added.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass.) described Cummings as a “giant in the House, an unwavering champion for his district and all Americans, and a dear friend.”

“Good people everywhere will miss his rumbling voice, his kind heart, and his deep conviction that every human being has worth,” Warren added. “Rest in power, Elijah.”

Good people everywhere will miss his rumbling voice, his kind heart, and his deep conviction that every human being has worth. Rest in power, Elijah. — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) October 17, 2019

Cummings’s office said the lawmaker died at 2:30 a.m. at Gilchrist Hospice Care from “complications concerning longstanding health challenges.”

Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the widow of the late congressman, issued a statement saying that he “worked until his last breath.”

“Congressman Cummings was an honorable man who proudly served his district and the nation with dignity, integrity, compassion and humility. He worked until his last breath because he believed our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity and that our nation’s diversity was our promise, not our problem,” Rockeymoore Cummings, the chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party, said.

“It’s been an honor to walk by his side on this incredible journey. I loved him deeply and will miss him dearly,” she added.

— This report was updated at 8:26 a.m.