OCEAN CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Former South Jersey Democrat Congressman William Hughes died Wednesday at his home in Ocean City. He was 87.
Hughes served for 20 years in Congress, at first elected as part of the Democratic wave in the wake of Watergate. He retired in 1995, replaced by Republican Frank LoBiondo, who served 11 terms in Congress before he left this past January.
Hughes went on to be appointed as President Bill Clinton's ambassador to Panama prior to America's turnover of the Panama Canal.
Family members, in announcing the passing, did not disclose a cause of death, nor were funeral arrangements announced. But the statement said the congressman's passing "will leave a huge void in the lives of all those he touched during his long and honorable career."
Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement noting Hughes's environmental efforts and noting that the work of the Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University is "perhaps the most fitting tribute to his tremendous legacy."
Tammy and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Bill Hughes, who fought tirelessly to protect the Jersey Shore and the Pinelands. He will continue to inspire future leaders through the work of the @HughesCenter. Sending our deepest condolences to his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/TfIEscdlL6
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy)
October 31, 2019
