OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
A long-serving Republican senator from Kentucky is stepping down after learning he has cancer.
Sen. C.B. Embry, from Morgantown, submitted his resignation letter on Monday to Senate President Robert Stivers, reports noted.
The senator was first elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2002, but then he won his state Senate race in 2014, going on to serve on a number of committees including his current chairmanship of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.
Embry has been battling cancer for some time. He would undergo treatments during legislative sessions so he could continue to serve his constituents and vote on legislation.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the good of the people of District 6,” Embry noted in his resignation letter. “During my time in the Senate, I can truly say that I and my colleagues worked each day to make Kentucky an even greater state.”
The retiring senator received lots of warm praise.
“C.B. Embry is one of the kindest souls I encountered during my tenure in Frankfort. His dedication to representing his constituents, upholding his duty as a public servant, and sticking to his values are unmatched. Nothing but respect,” Republican communications official Noah Lucas wrote on Twitter.
C.B. Embry is one of the kindest souls I encountered during my tenure in Frankfort. His dedication to representing his constituents, upholding his duty as a public servant, and sticking to his values are unmatched. Nothing but respect.
— Noah Lucas (@NoahLucasKY) September 26, 2022
“C.B. Embry is the epitome of a committed public servant who traveled back and forth to Frankfort, scheduling his treatments around our floor and committee activity,” Senate President Robert Stivers said.
“C.B. Embry is the epitome of a committed public servant who traveled back and forth to Frankfort, scheduling his treatments around our floor and committee activity, @kysenatepres Robert Stivers said.
🧵⬇️ pic.twitter.com/oVLRw20Eyn
— KY Senate Majority (@KYSenateGOP) September 26, 2022
In recent months, several prominent Democrats have passed away due to various conditions and ailments.
In March, Florida Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings died at 84 after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The Democratic congressman, who served in Congress for 28 years, was first elected to the House in 1992.
Back in late 2019, the House Ethics Committee opened up an investigation into Hastings over his relationship with his longtime girlfriend.
Hastings is one of only eight federal judges in American history who have been impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives, convicted by the U.S. Senate, and removed from office.
He allegedly accepted bribes in exchange for favorable court rulings.
Last week, a noted former state Democratic senator passed away suddenly in Maryland.
David Harrington, who recently served as the president of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce before stepping down from that post earlier this year, was 68, the Washington Informer noted earlier this week.
“David Harrington, a proud Howard University graduate, was more than a leader,” a statement from the chamber said. “He was a public servant and champion for businesses with a career that spanned over 40 years in the Washington metropolitan area. David was loved, respected, and admired throughout the region.
“The chamber shares the sorrow of his family, the community, and the businesses of Prince George’s County, as well as the entire public at his passing. We are heartbroken but will continue, as an organization, to honor his mission of excellence, service, advocacy, policy advisory, mentorship, and leadership,” the statement continued.
“Sorry to hear about the passing of a great business and community leader that inspired and encouraged Black business owners to get in and stay in the game,” LaTasha Ward, a local entrepreneur and former candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, noted. “Thanks for fighting for business stakeholders in Prince George’s County. You will be missed.”
Greenbelt Council member Brandon Gordon remembered Harrington fondly.
“He was the mayor of Bladensburg when I attended Bladensburg High School,” said Gordon, according to the Informer. “He challenged us to make a broader change in the community and was glad to see me doing just that. Rest in Heaven!”
Onetime Prince George’s County Board of Education member Belinda Queen described the former Democratic senator’s death as “a great loss to our county.”
“Definitely, gone too soon,” said Queen, who is currently a member of Prince George’s County Central Democratic Committee. “I have so many great memories out in the community working with you for a better Prince George’s. Just know your work is done. Rest in peace. My prayers are with the family.”
