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Here’s how Mass. officials are reacting to the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

“While she was 5’1” in stature, she stood as a giant for justice and equality."

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at a Women’s History Month event on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 18, 2015. “Our nation has lost a jurist of historic stature,” said Chief Justice John Roberts, on news of Ginsburg's death.

By Arianna MacNeill

4 minutes to read

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In the hours since Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death was announced, local officials are remembering her as “brilliant” and “thoughtful,” and someone who was a “legal advocate for women.”

Ginsburg, 87, died at home in Washington on Friday. Recently, she was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, according to The Washington Post.

“My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed,” she had said in a statement recently to NPR.

Here’s how Massachusetts officials have reacted to the news of Ginsburg’s death, and what they’ve said about her legacy:

Gov. Charlie Baker

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneer in the fight for equal rights and a role model to young women across the country. She was a trailblazer from beginning to end.“She was brilliant, thoughtful, and a staunch advocate for freedom of speech, reproductive rights, and civil rights. She was the embodiment of true justice and what every jurist strives to become. “More than 25 years ago, Ruth Bader Ginsburg had her confirmation hearing in the United States Senate. Under questioning about Roe Versus Wade, Justice Ginsburg gave this succinct and infallible answer: “The state controlling the woman is both denying her full autonomy and full equality with men.“That is what is at stake right now. “Over the next six weeks, we must fight for Justice Ginsberg’s legacy. We must mobilize, organize, and remove Donald Trump from office to ensure that her service to our country and her commitment to justice and equality are never lost or forgotten. “Majority Leader Mitch McConnell set the precedent in 2016 when he said no Supreme Court vacancies should be filled in a presidential election year. If he violates his own principle, when Democrats control the Senate in the next Congress, we must abolish the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court. In addition to the precedent set by Mitch McConnell in 2016, we hope that the GOP honors Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s final wishes.”

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley

“Throughout her life, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a tireless and unapologetic champion for women, families, and our most vulnerable communities.“While she was 5’1” in stature, she stood as a giant for justice and equality. From her groundbreaking work to end legal discrimination on the basis of sex, to her trailblazing 27-year tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg played a central role in advancing critical ideals including pay equity, reproductive freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights. She was deliberate in her craft, and we are all better off because of her unwavering commitment to creating a more just world.“As we mourn the tremendous loss of her passing, one thing is clear: we must honor Justice Ginsburg’s last wish and ensure that no replacement is appointed until a new president is installed in January. Any attempt by the GOP to push through a rushed appointment process when we are weeks away from a Presidential election would be a calloused affront to her notorious legacy.“To honor Justice Ginsburg and protect our Democracy, we will turn our collective grief into action.“Tonight, I’ll be holding Justice Ginsburg, her family, and all those who loved her in my prayers. May she rest. In peace, in power, with dignity.”

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death is a profound loss for America. Few people have been as impactful in advancing and protecting the rights of their fellow citizens as Justice Ginsburg. She never stopped fighting to better our nation, and in this dark era we should look to her legacy for hope.“Justice Ginsburg’s dying wish was that she not be replaced until a new president is installed. Senator McConnell should follow the precedent he set when he denied the appointment of Merrick Garland and refrain from confirming a new justice until after the election.”

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an institution.“She lived her life in service to the American people – never settling for anything less than full equality, freedom, and justice under the law. Her decisions on the court changed our nation for the better and have impacted each of our lives.“Justice Ginsburg will be sorely missed by her loved ones, her colleagues, and her fellow Americans. Rest in eternal power, RBG.”

U.S. Rep. William Keating

“I’m profoundly saddened by the loss of Justice Ginsburg. This diminutive woman in height was truly a giant, a Justice for the ages. She bridged the gap between young and old. She bridged the gap within the Court from discord to civility. For equality for women, equality for LGBTQ Americans, equality for us all – she set a standard for fairness and equal rights under the law.”

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh

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