Reactions poured in Thursday from both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill and elsewhere as news spread about the death of Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, the Democratic chairman of the powerful House Oversight and Reform Committee.

The Maryland Democratic Party said the late congressman “will always be remembered for dedicating his life’s work to improving the lives of others, standing up for his community, and protecting our democracy.”

His wife Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party, said: “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 out problem.”

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

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi kicked off her weekly press conference Thursday by remembering Cummings, saying she was personally “devastated by the loss” and calling Cummings a “North Star” in her chamber.

“He was a leader of towering character and integrity, whose stirring voice and steadfast values pushed the Congress and country to rise always to a higher purpose,” said Pelosi, who ordered flags at the US Capitol to be lowered.

She appeared to choke up as she announced that at a hearing Thursday morning, House members discussed naming legislation that would lower the cost of prescription drugs after Cummings.

“Elijah was a fighter for low income and prescription drugs, reaching across the aisle to do so. He always chose to reach across the aisle and treat all of our colleagues with respect and even had dialogue with the President for a while on this subject,” she said.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said Cummings “leaves behind an incredible legacy of fighting for Baltimore City and working to improve people’s lives.”

“He was a passionate and dedicated public servant whose countless contributions made our state and our country better,” the governor said in a statement.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic caucus chairman and a fellow member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said on Twitter that he was “deeply saddened” by Cummings’ passing.

“He spoke truth to power, defended the disenfranchised and represented West Baltimore with strength and dignity,” he wrote. “Congress has lost a Champion. Heaven has gained an Angel of Justice. May he forever #RestInPower.”

Mayor de Blasio said in a statement that Cumming’s “was the definition of America.”

“With fearlessness, he grew from the civil rights movement to become a voice of conscience for this country. He held the powerful accountable and fought fiercely for those with less. His leadership and advocacy remains unmatched,” he said.

“Our country is a better place for his decades of service. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Maryland who he so dutifully served.”

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris wrote: “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.”

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, another Democratic hopeful, said: “It was my honor to work closely with Rep. Elijah Cummings over the years. His integrity and moral vision for his community and the country were extraordinary. He will be sorely missed.”

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a fellow Democrat on the Oversight Committee, praised Cummings’ “unmatched integrity and leadership,” adding that her “heart is broken.”

“I know Chairman Cummings’ struggle for justice and freedom lives on, as so many – like me – stand on his shoulders to carry on his courageous fight. May his memory be for a blessing,” she wrote on Twitter.

In his message, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said “Cummings was not just a great congressman, but a great man.

“He had a combination of being strong when he had to be, but also being kind and decent and caring and honorable. I pray for his family and for the country when people like Elijah are not with us any longer,” he said.

Rep. Mark Meadows, a Republican from North Carolina who had a close personal relationship with Cummings despite their political divide, also expressed his sorrow.

“There was no stronger advocate and no better friend than Elijah Cummings,” he said in a tweet. “I am heartbroken for his wonderful family and staff—please pray for them. I will miss him dearly.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida sent his condolences to Cummings’ family.

“May God grant his family strength & peace in these difficult moments & his soul eternal rest,” Rubio said on Twitter.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was “saddened by the news that @RepCummings, a dedicated public servant, has passed away. Our prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

And former President Barack Obama said in a statement that Cummings “showed us all not only the importance of checks and balances within our democracy, but also the necessity of good people stewarding it.

“Steely yet compassionate, principled yet open to new perspectives, Chairman Cummings remained steadfast in his pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation. It’s a tribute to his native Baltimore that one of its own brought such character, tact, and resolve into the halls of power every day,” he said.

“And true to the giants of progress he followed into public service, Chairman Cummings stood tallest and most resolute when our country needed him the most. May his example inspire more Americans to pick up the baton and carry it forward in a manner worthy of his service.”