Ernest Frederick "Fritz" Hollings, a renowned American politician, was born on January 1, 1922, and passed away on April 6, 2019. Hailing from the U.S. state of South Carolina, Hollings was a stalwart member of the Democratic Party, dedicating his illustrious career to public service.
He began his political journey by serving as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1949 to 1954, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. Hollings' subsequent tenure as the 77th lieutenant governor of South Carolina from 1955 to 1959 showcased his leadership skills and versatility.
In 1959, Hollings took the oath of office as the 106th governor of South Carolina, a position he held until 1963. This period marked a significant milestone in his career, as it prepared him for his most notable role yet: a member of the United States Senate from South Carolina, which he served from 1966 to 2005.
During his remarkable 39-year tenure in the Senate, Hollings worked alongside Democrat-turned-Republican Senator Strom Thurmond, forming an unprecedented partnership that lasted for 36 years. This extraordinary duo holds the record for the longest-serving duo in U.S. Senate history.
At the time of his passing, Hollings was the oldest living former U.S. senator and the second-oldest living former American governor. Moreover, as of 2025, he remains the last Democrat to hold or win a U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina, a testament to his enduring legacy in American politics.
