Longtime Democrat Congressman Alcee Hastings passed away after being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Hastings was elected to represent FL-23 from 1993 until 2013, and FL-20 from 2013 until his death. The Congressman’s passing was announced on his official Twitter account this morning.
Prior to serving in Congress, Hastings was Florida’s first black federal judge. He was nominated by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 and impeached 10 years later, in 1989. Hastings was tried and acquitted on charges of conspiracy to solicit a bribe in 1982, but in 1988 he was impeached by the then Democratic lead House on charges of bribery and perjury. The Democratic Senate convicted Hastings in 1989.
According to Politico, Hastings was also investigated last session by the House Ethics Committee for having a relationship with a staffer. The investigation was closed after Hastings married the staffer.
Hastings’ death has been met with both praise for his efforts in the civil rights movement and reminders of his tumultuous career.
Hastings’ death decreased the Democrat majority in the House, 218-211.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY