WESLACO - Former U.S. Congressman Eligio "Kika" de la Garza has died. He was 89. 

Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. and a former aide of U.S. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa confirmed De La Garza's death. According to his official biography on Congress.gov, he was born in Mercedes in 1927. He graduated from Mission High School and enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1952 to 1964. After serving as a state legislator, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1965 and served until 1996.

I am sad to hear of the passing of retired Rep. Kika De La Garza, a true public servant with a lasting legacy. My condolences to his family.

— Rep. Henry Cuellar (@RepCuellar) March 13, 2017

Former Valley Congressman Eligio “Kika” de la Garza has passed away at 89. May God speed our longtime representative. pic.twitter.com/D7jbA6Dlgd

— Aaron Peña (@AaronPena) March 13, 2017

In an interview with CHANNEL 5 NEWS in 2010, De La Garza he said he couldn't imagine a life without politics and missed the interaction on the House floor. He told CHANNEL 5 NEWS he had no regrets and hopes he left his piece of the Rio Grande Valley much better than he found it.

U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, released the following statement about the passing of the late congressman:

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Congressman Kika de la Garza, who represented the people of the 15th District of Texas with distinction and honor. The Rio Grande Valley has lost a statesman, public servant, husband, father, grandfather and friend, but his legacy will live on.

"It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of a man who empowered our rural areas and lifted up the Hispanic community. Lorena and I offer our most sincere condolences to his wife, Lucille, their children, and grandchildren at this difficult time."