Fritz Hollings

Ernest Frederick "Fritz" Hollings (January 1, 1922 – April 6, 2019) was a prominent American politician hailing from South Carolina. A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, Hollings began his political career in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he served from 1949 to 1954. He then advanced to the position of the state's lieutenant governor from 1955 to 1959, showcasing his leadership capabilities.

In 1959, Hollings became the 106th governor of South Carolina, a role he held until 1963. His governance was characterized by efforts to modernize the state and promote economic development. Following his tenure as governor, Hollings was elected to the United States Senate in 1966, where he served until 2005. During this period, he became known for his bipartisanship and collaboration, notably alongside long-serving colleague Strom Thurmond, with whom he formed the longest-serving duo in U.S. Senate history.

Hollings was recognized for his significant contributions to public policy, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Upon his passing, he held the distinction of being the oldest living former U.S. senator and the second-oldest living former governor in the nation. As of 2025, he remains the last Democrat to secure a U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina, marking an enduring legacy in the state's political history.