Freshman Congressman Mark Takai, a Democrat who represented Hawaii, passed away on Wednesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 49. According to a statement released by his office, he died at home, surrounded by his family.
JUST IN: Rep. Mark Takai of Hawaii has passed away after battling cancer, his office says. pic.twitter.com/DbnK8kaaAU
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 20, 2016
Takai was elected to represent Hawaii’s 1st district in 2015 after two decades in the state legislature. The congressman had announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election because the cancer had spread, telling constituents, “Right now, for the sake of my family, I need to focus on getting better rather than getting re-elected.”
Rep @MarkTakai remembered today in part for his above-and-beyond effort for the Zadroga Act and 9/11 first responders. Rest in peace.
— Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) July 20, 2016
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi released a statement regarding Takai’s passing, in which she commends her colleague for “confront[ing] his diagnosis with the spirit we all hope we would share when facing such an awful disease.”
We are heartbroken by @RepMarkTakai's passing—even in the face of cancer, he was courageous: https://t.co/mGkvnXGEZh
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 20, 2016
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chair Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) commended Takai for “[leading] notable efforts to benefit the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, including efforts to reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their loved ones, secure treatment for veterans suffering from service-related radiation exposure, and commemorate the patriotism of Japanese Americans during World War II.”
I'm completely heartbroken to hear that @RepMarkTakai has lost his battle with cancer. He was a great leader. I already miss my friend.
— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) July 20, 2016
Many other political heavyweights paid their respects to Takai, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, Democratic National Convention chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro.
I am saddened by the passing of @RepMarkTakai. Here's my statement: pic.twitter.com/Vt5L1yFLqB
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 20, 2016
Deeply saddened to hear about my colleague Mark Takai's passing from cancer. The Democratic family's thoughts are with the Takais today.
— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) July 20, 2016
Saddened by news of Rep. Mark Takai's passing and offer prayers for his family. He dedicated his life to serving Hawaii and our nation.
— Julián Castro (@SecretaryCastro) July 20, 2016
Heartbroken as we say our final aloha to my friend, colleague & fellow soldier Mark Takai. My prayers are with Sami & his family -TG
— Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiPress) July 20, 2016
Our thoughts and sympathies are with @RepMarkTakai's loved ones. Was an honor to serve with him & witness his dedication to public service.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) July 20, 2016
Mark Takai has a wonderful wife and kids. He was a smart and giving person. Truly dedicated public servant. I'm still in shock.
— US Rep Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) July 20, 2016