Alcee Hastings

Alcee Lamar Hastings was born on September 5, 1936, in Altamonte Springs, Florida. He became a prominent African American politician and served as a federal judge before being impeached and removed from office. Despite this setback, Hastings continued his political career and was elected as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Florida's 23rd congressional district from 1993 until 2013, and then the 20th district from 2013 until his death in 2021.

Alcee Hastings was appointed as a Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on August 15, 1979, by President Jimmy Carter. His judicial tenure was marked by controversy, eventually leading to charges of corruption. Despite the later impeachment, Hastings's appointment was a significant achievement in his career, reflecting President Carter's commitment to diversifying the federal judiciary and recognizing Hastings's legal acumen at the time.

On October 20, 1989, Alcee Hastings was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives and subsequently removed from his position as a Federal Judge by the U.S. Senate. He was charged with conspiracy and perjury related to a bribery case, although he was acquitted in a criminal trial earlier. The Senate's decision was based on evidence presented during the impeachment proceedings, effective ending his career as a federal judge but not deterring his subsequent political endeavors.

On November 3, 1992, Alcee Hastings was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Florida's 23rd congressional district and was one of the first African Americans elected to Congress from Florida since Reconstruction. Despite his earlier judicial impeachment, Hastings won the election based on his advocacy for civil rights and social justice, gaining significant support within his district which was composed largely of minority voters.

On January 3, 2013, Alcee Hastings began his term representing Florida's 20th congressional district after district boundaries were redrawn. Throughout his tenure in Congress, Hastings was known for his strong advocacy on behalf of civil rights, healthcare, and issues important to his constituents. His shift from the 23rd to the 20th district reflected the changes in Florida's congressional map but did not hinder his continued influence and efforts in legislation.

Alcee Hastings passed away on April 6, 2021, at the age of 84. He died from pancreatic cancer and was serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives at the time of his death. Hastings's political career was marked by his resilience and dedication to public service, overcoming significant challenges and contributing to national legislative efforts, particularly in the areas of civil rights and health care. His death marked the end of a long and impactful career in American politics.