Former Alabama congressman Sonny Callahan dies at 88

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Former Congressman H.L. “Sonny” Callahan of Alabama has died. He was 88.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday that Callahan died peacefully in his sleep.

Callahan represented south Alabama in Congress for 18 years from 1985 to 2003. He represented the state’s 1st District on the Alabama coast. Callahan was a Democrat in the Alabama Legislature, and ran unsuccessfully as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 1982.

He switched to the Republican Party when he ran for Congress. He later became chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on energy and water development, a key post for water projects in Alabama.

 Governor Kay Ivey on Friday offered the following statement following the passing of former Congressman:

"It is with genuine sadness that I share the passing of longtime Congressman H.L. “Sonny” Callahan of Mobile. Congressman Callahan passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. Without question, Sonny’s service to Alabama and to America was unrivaled. He was one of South Alabama’s most beloved public servants, and his legacy of helping others stands out as just one of his many wonderful qualities. Our state and nation have lost a giant of a man. My thoughts and prayers are extended to Sonny’s family, friends and longtime staffers. As such, I am directing the flags at the Alabama Capitol Complex and the flags in AL-1 immediately be lowered until the day of his interment."

Governor Kay Ivey

Post a Comment

0 Comments