Former Arizona Congressman Ed Pastor has died, according to a statement from the office of Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor.
“With heavy hearts, the Pastor family would like to inform the public that Congressman Ed Pastor passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at the age of 75," the statement read. "Congressman Pastor served the people of Arizona for more than 40 years as a member of the U.S. Congress and a member of the Board of Supervisors for Maricopa County."
Pastor was the first Mexican-American from Arizona elected to Congress. He was the senior member of the state's U.S. House delegation before deciding not to run for re-election in 2014.
You can read the family's full statement below.
“With heavy hearts, the Pastor family would like to inform the public that Congressman Ed Pastor passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at the age of 75. Congressman Pastor served the people of Arizona for more than 40 years as a member of the U.S. Congress and a member of the Board of Supervisors for Maricopa County. He was the first Mexican-American from Arizona elected to Congress. Congressman Pastor will be remembered for his commitment to his family, and his legacy of service to the community that he loved, the state of Arizona and the nation. The Congressman’s wife of 53 years, Verma, would like to thank the first responders from Phoenix Fire Station 9 and the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center for the care they provided Ed in the final moments of his life. At this time, the Pastor family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and leader. Further information will be provided regarding the celebration of Congressman Ed Pastorʼs life.”
Soon after the news, Cindy McCain shared her condolences via Twitter.
Senator Jeff Flake and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey took to the platform to share their sympathies.
Ronnie Lopez, a longtime friend of Pastor and finance director of all of his campaigns, said Pastor had a heart attack while dining at a restaurant with his wife, Verma.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
