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Trey Gowdy, the former South Carolina GOP congressman who had tense moments with Cummings when they both served on the House Oversight Committee's two-year Republican-led probe into the 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya, praised him in a Twitter thread.

\"We never had a cross word outside of a committee room. He had a unique ability to separate the personal from the work,\" Gowdy tweeted, calling Cummings one of the \"most powerful, beautiful, compelling\" voices on the Hill.

Elijah Cummings was one of the most powerful, beautiful & compelling voices in American politics. The power and the beauty came from his authenticity, his conviction, the sincerity with which he held his beliefs. We rarely agreed on political matters.

— Trey Gowdy (@TGowdySC) October 17, 2019

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama expressed their condolences as well, saying they were \"heartbroken\" over the late congressman's passing. In a statement posted on Twitter, they expressed their sympathy for his wife, Maya, and his three children.

Michelle and I are heartbroken over the passing of our friend, Elijah Cummings. May his example inspire more Americans to pick up the baton and carry it forward in a manner worthy of his service. pic.twitter.com/lM2rES3PNV

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 17, 2019

Other celebrities and politicians across the political spectrum, including 2020 presidential candidates, also turned to social media to express their sympathies, using the Twitter hashtag #RestInPower to celebrate his lifelong commitment to civil rights and democratic values.

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

Elijah Cummings and the journey he forged was among the most remarkable and consequential. His whole life, he worked to right injustices present in communities across the country. Judy and I pray for his family and all who were touched by Elijah throughout his incredible life.

— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) October 17, 2019

There was no stronger advocate and no better friend than Elijah Cummings. I am heartbroken for his wonderful family and staff—please pray for them.

I will miss him dearly.

— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) October 17, 2019

My statement on the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings: pic.twitter.com/uSAmKQkH7W

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) October 17, 2019

Our Chairman leaves behind a beautiful and powerful legacy. I am already feeling the impact of a little less grace in the world. Deep gratitude to have spent these early months in Congress guided by his wisdom. Rest in power @RepCummings pic.twitter.com/n4ekGvhAVx

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) October 17, 2019

Such sad news this morning. @RepCummings was my friend and a giant of public service and the U.S. Congress. His presence, passion and moral clarity will be missed and my heart goes out to his family and constituents. https://t.co/FmwLkwaYIe

— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) October 17, 2019

Deeply saddened by the passing of Chairman Elijah Cummings.

He spoke truth to power, defended the disenfranchised and represented West Baltimore with strength and dignity.

Congress has lost a Champion. Heaven has gained an Angel of Justice. May he forever #RestInPower. pic.twitter.com/3pg555ijFG

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) October 17, 2019

.@RepCummings guaranteed a voice to so many who would otherwise not have one, and stood as a symbol for the heights one could reach if they paid no mind to obstacles, naysayers and hate. His commitment to his city and country was unwavering, as will be my lasting respect for him.

— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) October 17, 2019

With a heavy heart, we mourn the passing of our my dear colleague Rep. Elijah Cummings of Md. Elijah was a giant among us who led with his heart but governed with his love of his district and this country! His legacy will live on! https://t.co/xmY0dhnukT

— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) October 17, 2019

MORE: This is part of a statement released by Rep. Elijah Cummings' wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: pic.twitter.com/LEAZ4dhLdb

— Lindsey Mastis (@LindseyMastis) October 17, 2019

It has been an honor to serve alongside Representative Cummings. His loss will be felt across our country. I thank him for his service and his leadership. My heart is with his family, loved ones, and community. May he rest in peace.

— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) October 17, 2019

At a time of chaos and division, our friend Elijah Cummings stood strong as a man of principle, unity, dignity, and compassion. His insatiable thirst for justice was rooted in his core. Maryland has lost a beloved son and our nation a hero of our times.

— Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) October 17, 2019

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

Cummings was born and raised in Baltimore. He was one of six children to Robert and Ruth Elma Cummings, who died last year at the age of 91.

\"Both of my parents emphasized education because they had been deprived of one. My dad was pulled out of school at an early age to plow the fields and pick strawberries,\" Cummings told The Baltimore Sun in 2018.

He also told the newspaper, \"When my father drove me to Howard University, he said, 'I want you to go through those doors and get blessed, so when you come out, you can help people.'\"

Cummings earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Howard University, where he served as student government president. He later graduated from the University of Maryland law school. He has also received 13 honorary doctoral degrees from universities throughout the United States, according to the biography on his House of Representatives website.

He started his political career in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years and became the first African American in Maryland history to be named speaker pro tem. He had served in Congress ever since.

ABC News' Matthew Ley and Lauren King contributed to this report.

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