Elijah Cummings was an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland from 1996 until his death in 2019. He was a member of the Democratic Party and held significant positions, including chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Cummings was known for his advocacy on issues such as civil rights, healthcare, and economic justice. Born on January 18, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland, Cummings was the son of sharecroppers. He earned a law degree from Howard University and began his political career in the Maryland House of Delegates. Throughout his life, he was recognized for his dedication to public service and his efforts to improve the lives of his constituents.