Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
Former Va. Sen. Harry Byrd Jr., opponent of racial integration who won as independent, dies
RICHMOND, Va. – Former Sen. Harry F. Byrd Jr. of Virginia, a conservative Democrat turned independent who followed in his father’s footsteps, has died.
The office of Tom Byrd, his son, confirmed Tuesday that the former senator had died at age 98.
Harry Byrd Jr. was a former publisher of the paper and a former vice-president of The Associated Press.
Byrd served 17 years in the U.S. Senate, from 1965 to early 1983. He began as a Democrat but switched to independent to win re-election in 1970 and 1976.
He was first appointed to replace his powerful father, Harry Sr., a senator from 1933 until failing health forced him to retire.
Like his father, Byrd opposed racial integration. He defended Virginia’s strategy of “massive resistance” to school desegregation.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
