The Associated Press reported that former California Republican Rep. Pete McCloskey died this week at the age of 96. 

According to the news service, family friend Lee Houskeeper confirmed that McCloskey passed away at his home on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife and former press secretary Nancy along with four children from an earlier marriage.

War hero congressman helped author the Endangered Species Act

The Associated Press recalled how McCloskey was born in Loma Linda, California and was inducted into the baseball hall of fame at South Pasadena High School.

He went on to lead a Marine Corps rifle platoon in the Korean War during which he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts.

After his military service, McCloskey earned a law degree from Stanford University and founded a law firm before successfully running for Congress in 1967.

McCloskey gained national attention when he attempted to unseat then-President Nixon at the 1972 Republican National Convention. However, the congressman was best known for co-writing the Endangered Species Act, which was signed into law in 1973.

Environmental group praises McCloskey's record

McCloskey's passing was met with tributes on social media, including from Kierán Suckling, who serves as executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity.

Statement from @KieranSuckling, executive director of the Center:

“By co-authoring the Endangered Species Act, Congressman Pete McCloskey made one of the single biggest contributions to wildlife conservation in American history."

Read the full statement: https://t.co/Jkw9fHXKqr pic.twitter.com/mcqfy0Eo9e

— Center for Biological Diversity (@CenterForBioDiv) May 9, 2024

"By co-authoring the Endangered Species Act, Congressman Pete McCloskey made one of the single biggest contributions to wildlife conservation in American history," Suckling said in a statement.

"The landmark law that he championed has helped save countless animals and plants from extinction, and it’s been a model for conservation legislation in countries around the world," she continued.

"Congressman McCloskey was a true champion of endangered species throughout his decades-long career in public life," Suckling went on to add.

Former law partner says McCloskey "hated inequity"

Joe Cotchett had been McCloskey's law partner since 2004, and the Associated Press noted that he put out a statement of his own regarding the lawmaker's death.

"McCloskey was a rarity in American politics — his actions were guided by his sense of justice, not by political ideology," Cotchett declared.

Cotchett emphasized how McCloskey "hated inequity and did not hesitate to take on members of his own political party."