Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL) released the following statement in response to the passing of Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings to pancreatic cancer.

"The Sunshine State mourns the passing of her longest serving Congressman and native son, Alcee Hastings. Alcee was a civil rights champion who fought tirelessly for desegregation from his years as a young lawyer, and continued his fight in the People's House as Florida's fiercest defender. My heart goes out to Congressman Hastings' family, friends, staff, and constituents during this painful time." 

"As a public servant, I long admired Congressman Hastings' advocacy for Florida's Black communities during a time when such advocacy was ignored at best and actively suppressed or punished at worst. Congressman Hastings was never afraid to give voice to the voiceless and speak truth to power, and his legacy will live on as a testament to his work to remove the barriers that hold back underrepresented Floridians and make a more just and equitable Sunshine State."