Former Florida Governor Buddy MacKay has passed away at the age of 91 after serving 23 days in office following the sudden death of Governor Lawton Chiles. MacKay, a Democrat, was known for his dedication to Florida’s environment and advocacy for minorities. His passing was described as peaceful by his son, Ken MacKay, who was present along with his siblings at the time of his death. Floridians remembered MacKay not only for his brief stint as governor but also for his time as a state legislator, Congressman, and diplomat.
Despite losing to Jeb Bush in the 1998 gubernatorial election, MacKay found himself in the top job for three weeks after Chiles’ passing. He focused on overseeing the transition to Bush’s administration and approached the role of caretaker with sensitivity. MacKay never moved into the governor’s mansion and Florida has not had a Democrat in the governor’s office since. He was conscious of tying up loose ends during his brief time as governor and was remembered for his dedication to serving the state.
MacKay’s political career began in 1968 when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, followed by the state Senate in 1974, and the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 1988 but narrowly lost in one of the closest statewide races in Florida’s history. Despite his losses in statewide elections, MacKay maintained a sense of humor and was known for his policy expertise. He served as a special envoy to Latin America for President Bill Clinton before retiring to his home near Ocala.
MacKay’s views on race and desegregation evolved during his time in the U.S. Air Force, where he experienced an integrated environment for the first time. Growing up in the segregated South, MacKay worked in the fields with Black laborers but also attended segregated schools. His military experience showed him the potential for racial integration and influenced his views on race relations. MacKay’s political career coincided with Florida’s integration movement, and he worked towards bridging racial divides throughout his life.
In his final years, MacKay remained active in his church and enjoyed tending to his camellias on his family farm. He and his wife, Anne, lived on Lake Weir where they raised citrus and cattle. MacKay’s son Ken described him as a dedicated public servant who served his state and country with honor and distinction. MacKay’s legacy as a defender of Florida’s environment and advocate for minorities will be remembered by Floridians who mourn his passing. Governor Ron DeSantis and former Governor Jeb Bush offered their condolences to MacKay’s family, praising his service to the state.
