Ex-Arkansas Governor and U.S. Senator David Pryor Passes Away at 89
David Pryor, a prominent figure in Arkansas politics and a stalwart of the Democratic Party, has passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. Pryor's political career spanned several decades, during which he served as a U.S. Senator, a U.S. Congressman, the governor of Arkansas, and a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives. His contributions included working on controlling prescription drug costs and instituting the 1988 Taxpayer Bill of Rights to prevent IRS harassment of taxpayers.
Pryor, who was married to Barbara Pryor, is survived by his three sons, David Jr., Scott, and Mark, who has also served as the state attorney general and a two-term U.S. senator. Pryor was highly regarded for his ability to connect with constituents and for his appointment of African Americans and women to high-profile government positions. In addition to his political achievements, he was the director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and remained active in public service post-retirement, including a role on the University of Arkansas’ Board of Trustees.
His legacy in Arkansas politics is underscored by his dedication to public service and his enduring popularity among the residents of the state. Pryor's commitment to public life was evident up to his later years, as he attended the 2023 inauguration of Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
