LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — David Pryor, a former U.S. senator and governor of Arkansas, has passed away at 89 years old.
Pryor died Saturday of natural causes. The news was announced via his family on the morning of April 20.
Pryor, a longtime political force in Arkansas, began his career in 1960, winning his election for the Arkansas House of Representatives.
He was later elected governor in 1974, serving four years before being elected to the U.S. Senate. Pryor decided to not seek re-election in 1996, and he retired from elective office at the end of his term in early 1997.
Pryor remained in the public eye after leaving politics, serving on the University of Arkansas' Board of Trustees and the dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. A full report on Pryor's legacy can be found here.
Condolences are flooding in from past and present lawmakers not just from the Natural State but across the country. Here are reactions from some lawmakers and political figures on Pryor's passing:
- President Joe Biden — "If there is one word that defined David Pryor - and the essence of his character - it is integrity. In serving the people of his beloved Arkansas as a State Representative, a U.S. Congressman, a Governor, and a Senator, David always kept his word. He never stopped fighting for working men and women, for the poor, for civil rights. And he was willing to reach across the aisle and do the right thing - even when it cost him politically." Read the full statement here.
- Rep. Steve Womack — "I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Pryor. A lifelong public servant, he served in the U.S. House and Senate, in the state legislature, and served as Governor of Arkansas. He dedicated himself to bettering the lives of Arkansans in each critical position he held. Mr. Pryor was the epitome of a statesman for the Natural State, and his legacy will no doubt live on for generations. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
- Senator Tom Cotton — "David Pryor was a true gentleman and a statesman who dedicated more than half a century of his life to the service of our state and nation. His example served and will continue to serve as inspiration for our fellow Arkansans. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and loved ones for whom I pray his memory will always be a cherished blessing."
- Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson — "David Pryor was the quintessential public servant. He gave up other opportunities to serve Arkansas throughout his life and the public debate was elevated because of his service. Our prayers are with Barbara and the Pryor family."
- Former President Bill Clinton — "Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend David Pryor, one of Arkansas’ greatest servant leaders and one of the finest people I have ever known. As state representative, U.S. representative, governor, and senator, he fought for progressive policies that helped us put the divided past behind us and move into a brighter future together. He was always one of America’s greatest advocates for the elderly, waging long battles to lower the cost of prescription drugs and to improve nursing homes and in-home care to help more people live in dignity." Read the full statement here.
- Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders — “Bryan and I are mourning the death of a dedicated Congressman, Governor, and Senator, David Pryor. His career defied easy definition: a man with deep roots in Ouachita County who reached the heights of influence in Washington; a Solid South Democrat who stood strong against the Faubus machine; the architect of an Arkansas political dynasty who was just as comfortable in a Camden lumber yard as the Cambridge quad. David Pryor’s charisma and moderate politics made him a force at the ballot box for decades. While the Senator and I came up in different political parties, I, like all Arkansans deeply appreciated his diligent stewardship of Arkansas and our interests during his time in public life. And we can all thank him for his role in burying the divisive racial politics that infected Arkansas government before his tenure.” Read the full statement here.
- Rep. Bruce Westerman — "I was saddened to hear of the passing of former Arkansas Governor, Congressman, and Senator David Pryor. He served the Natural State for over half a century with distinction and pride. I was lucky to have known David for quite some time. Despite our political differences, he extended me the opportunity to intern in his office many years ago. The intentional investments he made in my life, and that of many other Arkansans, have been instrumental in the growth of our great state. David Pryor’s absence will be greatly felt by many, but his legacy of leadership will serve as an inspiration for years to come. I extend my deepest condolences to the Pryor family, and my prayers will be with his loved ones during this difficult time."
- Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee — "Sad to hear of the death of former Governor and Senator David Pryor. He was a gentleman and a statesman and kind to me though we loved Arkansas from different parties but from the same place of awe and appreciation to have been elected to serve the wonderful state of Arkansas. His son Mark was AG when I was Governor and later became Senator and like his father was and is a class act. The Pryor family have exuded civility and integrity in their public service. A lasting legacy. Condolences to his wife Barbara and all the family. He graciously attended Sarah’s inauguration as did all the living former Governors except President Clinton who was unable to attend but who reached out personally to Sarah to offer his congratulations. Arkansas is a better state because of David Pryor."
- Senator John Boozman — “David Pryor’s life was characterized by service to his community, state and country. Arkansas has benefited tremendously from his dedicated stewardship as a legislator, governor and citizen deeply invested in helping ensure our best days were still ahead. I greatly admired the courtesy, integrity and wisdom he personally modeled and instilled in others. Cathy and I are praying for his loved ones as they reflect on his memory and take comfort in the historic legacy he has left them and countless Arkansans.”
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