Minnesota Rep. Jim Hagedorn has died after a long battle with kidney cancer, his wife announced Friday on Facebook. Hagedorn, 59, was elected in 2019 and had served on the House Agriculture Committee since January 2019. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer in April 2019.

“Jim loved our country and loved representing the people of southern Minnesota. Every moment of every day he lived his dream by serving others. There was no stronger conservative in our state than my husband; and it showed in how he voted, led and fought for our country,” she shared in her post.

Numerous colleagues posted tributes and condolences on social media following news of his passing, including fellow committee members.

"Today, I join my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee and full House of Representatives in mourning the devastating loss of Rep. Jim Hagedorn,” House Agriculture Committee Republican Leader Glenn "GT" Thompson said in a statement. "Jim was a tireless advocate on behalf of our nation's farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters, and he never wavered in his commitment to serving the great people of Minnesota’s First District.”

Hagedorn had just shared Feb. 16 on social media that he had joined over 50 of his colleagues in urging Biden to rectify the unbalanced agricultural trade relationship with China.

“This administration must put the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers FIRST,” his post said.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Dan Glessing released a statement following the news of Hagedorn’s passing.

“Congressman Hagedorn's passion and service to his district, the state and agriculture provided farmers a strong voice in Congress that will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” he said.