LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise on April 22, 2024, to sunset in memory of former Arkansas governor and U.S. Sen. David Pryor.
Pryor was a Democrat and one of the state’s most beloved political figures who remained active in public service in the state long after he left office.
He was born on August 29, 1934, in Camden, Arkansas, and was a former Arkansas State Representative, United States Representative, Governor of Arkansas, and United States Senator.
The founder and publisher of the Ouachita Citizen weekly newspaper, Pryor started his political career in 1960 with his election to the Arkansas House. He served there through 1966 when he was elected to Congress after winning a special election to the U.S. House.
During his time in the state House, Pryor gained a reputation as one of the "Young Turks" who were interested in reforming the state's political system. Pryor said years later that the reforms he wanted didn't come as quickly as he had dreamed in his younger days.
He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966 to represent South Arkansas and successfully ran for Governor in 1974.
He also focused on helping the elderly and went undercover while serving in the U.S. House from 1966 to 1973 to investigate nursing homes. He said they commonly found up to 15 beds in one room.
Pryor's legacy continues to live on through Arkansas's state government, federal legislation, and his family.