James Seward, a former Republican state senator for New York, has died at the age of 72. 

The news of Seward's passing was announced by his former Chief of Staff, Duncan S. Davie.

In a press release, Davie wrote, "On behalf of the Seward family, I am sad to announce that former New York State Senator James L. Seward, 72, passed away this morning after a valiant fight against cancer."

He added, "The family appreciates the prayers and support of the many well-wishers who have encouraged them in recent days and weeks and requests understanding as they grieve his passing."

Who was James Seward?

The public knows Seward best for the more than three decades that he spent in New York's legislature.

Syracuse.com reports:

Seward was a senator from 1987 to 2020. He represented the 51st District: Cortland, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Otsego, Schoharie, Tompkins and Ulster counties

It was cancer that led to Seward's retirement in 2020. He was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. He underwent treatment for the cancer causing it to go into remission, but it returned in 2019, and, in 2020, he decided not to seek reelection while undergoing further cancer treatment.

Before entering New York's legislature, Seward spent time as a justice for the town of Milford, New York, and he was also, at one point, the former chairman of the Otsego County Republican Committee. In addition to this, Seward served as a delegate to the 1976, 1980, and 1988 Republican National Conventions and an alternate delegate in 1996.

Seward was born in Oneonta, New York. He went on to graduate from Hartwick College with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He also attended the Nelson Rockefeller Institute.

Tributes

Many have released tributes to Seward following the news of his passing.

This includes New York State Sen. Peter Oberacker (R, 51st District), who ended up succeeding Seward after Seward retired.

"This morning, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Jim Seward, a true icon in New York State politics. As we mourn his loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to Cindy and the entire Seward family, we also pause to celebrate a life well-lived," Oberacker wrote.

He added, "Jim’s legacy, respected by both sides of the aisle, will be remembered with great admiration. I will forever cherish the time I spent with Jim, his invaluable counsel, insightful perspectives, and profound wisdom."

Seward is survived by his wife, Cindy, and his two children, Ryan and Lauren.