Sen. Frank Lautenberg, the New Jersey Democrat who had served five terms in the U.S. Senate since 1982 and was the chamber's last surviving World War II veteran, died Monday of viral pneumonia, his office announced.
Lautenberg, 89, missed key Senate votes late last year during a weeks-long absence due to a cold that turned into what he called a "Severe case of bronchitis with fluid in the chest."
He announced in a statement in February he would not seek re-election next year. Ref. CNN
Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has named his state's attorney general to hold the seat of the late Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg until a special election in October. New Jersey Attorney General Jeff Chiesa is a Republican.
Lautenberg, 89, died from complications of pneumonia Monday.
Chiesa graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Catholic University of America's law school. He will serve temporarily until a new senator is elected. Chiesa will not run in the special election.
"To have this chance to continue to serve in public life is a wonderful opportunity for everybody," Chiesa said at a news conference with Christie. Ref. CNN