John Hollis Bankhead

Democrat Senator of Alabama

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1872 (74 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1946

Death

Elected three times to the U.S. Senate, serving from 1931 until his death in 1946
Defeated J. Thomas Heflin in the 1930 Senate election, a victory challenged for over a year
Served as chairman of the Committee on Irrigation and Reclamation
Remembered as a spokesman for farmers and against civil rights for African Americans
Born into a politically active family, with his father and brother also serving in significant political roles
Practiced law for ten years before entering politics, initially elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1903
Played a role in drafting Alabama’s revised voting law that disenfranchised most black voters through tests and poll taxes
Supported New Deal legislation beneficial to cotton farmers and was an interventionist during World War II
Sponsored legislation to exempt farm workers from the draft during World War II
Was a contender for the vice-presidential nomination at the 1944 Democratic National Convention, eventually supporting Harry S. Truman
Suffered a stroke and died in 1946 while still in office
Brother of Speaker of the House William B. Bankhead and uncle of actress Tallulah Bankhead