US Senator. A member of the Democratic (later an Independent) Party, he served the state of Virginia in the United States Senate from 1965 until 1983. The son of former publisher-turned Virginia Governor and later US Senator Harry Flood Byrd, Sr., he attended Virginia Military Institute and served in the United States Naval Reserves during World War II. He followed his father's path leading to the political arena and served as a member of Virginia's State Senate from 1948 until 1965. After failing health forced his father to relinquish his US Senatorial seat, the younger Byrd was elected in a special election to succeed him. After he was successfully elected to his own term in 1970, he switched party affiliations to become an Independent. During his tenure, he continued his father's pro position on segregation and was an advocate for fiscal responsibility within the federal government.
US Senator. A member of the Democratic (later an Independent) Party, he served the state of Virginia in the United States Senate from 1965 until 1983. The son of former publisher-turned Virginia Governor and later US Senator Harry Flood Byrd, Sr., he attended Virginia Military Institute and served in the United States Naval Reserves during World War II. He followed his father's path leading to the political arena and served as a member of Virginia's State Senate from 1948 until 1965. After failing health forced his father to relinquish his US Senatorial seat, the younger Byrd was elected in a special election to succeed him. After he was successfully elected to his own term in 1970, he switched party affiliations to become an Independent. During his tenure, he continued his father's pro position on segregation and was an advocate for fiscal responsibility within the federal government.
Bio by: C.S.
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