Former Arkansas governor and U.S. Senator David Pryor, a beloved Democratic political figure, passed away at the age of 89 in Little Rock. Pryor, a survivor of heart attacks and strokes, and a COVID-19 infection, was known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving Arkansas. He was regarded as one of the state’s political giants along with former President Bill Clinton and late Senator Dale Bumpers. Pryor’s career spanned various roles in government, including the U.S. House and the Arkansas Legislature, and he continued to be active in public life, serving on the University of Arkansas’ Board of Trustees in later years.
Beginning his political career in 1960 as a member of the Arkansas House, Pryor was a part of a group known as the “Young Turks” focused on reforming the state’s political system. He was first elected to Congress in 1966 after winning a special election to the U.S. House. Although his desired reforms did not materialize as quickly as he had hoped, Pryor remained committed to making a difference in Arkansas. In 1972, he ran for the U.S. Senate but lost in a runoff against Senator John McClellan, an experience that deeply affected him but did not diminish his passion for public service.
As Governor of Arkansas from 1974 to 1978, Pryor succeeded Bumpers and focused on policies benefiting the elderly, including his work on a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights in the Senate. He also famously went undercover while serving in the U.S. House to investigate nursing homes, shedding light on the poor conditions faced by residents. Pryor chose not to seek re-election in 1996 and retired from elected office in 1997, but he remained active in public life, serving as the inaugural dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and temporarily chairing the state Democratic Party after a tragic incident.
Pryor’s dedication and passion for public service extended beyond his political career, as he contributed to various roles and causes in his later years. He was known for championing the interests of the average taxpayer and advocating for the rights of senior citizens. Pryor’s legacy as a leader in Arkansas politics continues to inspire future generations of public servants. He and his wife, Barbara, raised three children, and his impact on the state and its residents remains significant and enduring.
