BOSTON (WWLP) - A longtime state lawmaker has died of cancer at the age of 64. Tensions rise at State House over ballot question 1 State Representative Susan Williams Gifford died peacefully on Tuesday, surrounded by her loved ones. Gifford was a Republican from the town of Wareham in southeastern Massachusetts. She was first elected to the house back in 2002 and served as House minority whip. Former Governor Charlie Baker described Gifford as quote "a strong advocate for her district, her community, and her constituents. I am grateful for her friendship, and the more than two decades of service she provided to the 2nd Plymouth District and beyond. My heart goes out to her family and friends as we mourn the loss of an incredible advocate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Local News Headlines Longtime State Representative Susan Williams Gifford passes away Students celebrate STEM Week at Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Drought conditions this fall in Massachusetts PrimoHoagies set to open its first Massachusetts location WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.