ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch passed away Sunday at the age of 72, his aide says.
Busch was the longest serving Maryland House speaker in the state's history.
Busch said he developed a case of pneumonia after a follow-up health procedure to his 2017 liver transplant.
Several lawmakers and state officials issued statements on Speaker Busch's passing.
Governor Larry Hogan took to Twitter and issued a public statement sending his condolences to Busch's family.
"On behalf of all Marylanders, the First Lady and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Speaker’s wife, Cindy, their daughters, Erin and Megan, and all of his colleagues," Hogan said in another tweet. "He was raised in Annapolis, he represented Annapolis, and he will forever be remembered here."
Hogan announced that the Maryland flag will be flown at half staff Sunday to honor Speaker Busch's legacy.
“The Maryland Democratic Party mourns the loss of Speaker Michael E. Busch. He dedicated more than 30 years of his career to public service in the House of Delegates,” Maryland Democratic Party Chair Maya Rockeymoore Cummings said.
“Speaker Busch has left an indelible mark on the lives of all Marylanders through his longtime leadership of the House of Delegates as a champion for the people and the environment. It was an honor to serve alongside him this year as Party Chair. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are extended to the Busch family.”
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), issued the following statement:
“Marylanders are grieving the loss of one of their own today. Mike Busch was a force in Annapolis and he left a progressive imprint on the state that without hyperbole will last for generations. For me, and for Myrna, the loss is intensely personal. We have lost a dear friend and our hearts are broken while we mourn with his wife, his family, and his dedicated staff at the State Capitol.
“While we never served together in the House of Delegates, as a former Speaker, I watched Mike Busch’s ascent in Annapolis and saw throughout his career a public servant who put the people he served, his community and his family at the forefront of all he did.
“May his memory be a blessing to his family and all of those whom his life touched.”
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., also responded to the news of Busch's passing in a Facebook post:
"My heart is broken for Mike Busch’s family, the State of Maryland, and the Speaker's extended family - elected officials and staff that he has been a mentor and coach to over his time in public service," Miller said. "Mike has been a friend for years, and has led the state to new heights of environmentalism and education, while ensuring that a new generation of leaders move our state forward. He was a true model of a State Delegate."
Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski also expressed his condolences via Twitter. "Speaker Busch was a friend, mentor, & leader. His legacy as a dedicated public servant to all of MD will live on for generations," Olszewski said.
"It’s sad and surreal that Speaker Busch is gone. He was a good man and a dear friend," said House Republican Leader Nicholaus Kipke in a Twitter post. "The coach-like style that he used lifted all of us up and made us better people. He liked to win but what he wanted most was to see everyone 'play the game' fairly, with honor and dignity."
"Those closest to him know the tremendous work he did as the longest-serving Speaker of the House to move Maryland forward on the critical issues of our time, including abolishing the death penalty, promoting marriage equality, raising the minimum wage and improving educational opportunities for all our children," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball wrote in a Facebook post.
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks also released a statement on Busch's passing:
“Speaker Busch spent more than 30 years advocating on behalf of working families and children across our state. As the longest serving Speaker in state history, he leaves behind a legacy that includes ensuring all Marylanders can earn a living wage, all children have access to healthcare and landmark funding for school systems across our state.
"His leadership, compassion and commitment to making a better Maryland will be sorely missed, but all of those whom he coached and mentored during his more than three decades in the State House stand ready to carry the torch.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Cynthia, daughters Erin and Megan and his entire family during this difficult time."
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) calls Busch's passing "a terrible loss for Maryland" in a tweet. "Under his leadership, we have become a more inclusive and just community with greater opportunity for all. I was proud to call him a friend. Katherine and I send our deepest condolences to his family," Van Hollen said.