Earl Hilliard Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Earl Hilliard
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 7th district |
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| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Claude Harris Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Artur Davis |
| Member of the Alabama Senate | |
| In office September 3, 1980 – January 3, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | U. W. Clemon |
| Succeeded by | Sundra Escott |
| Constituency |
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| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 45th district |
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| In office November 6, 1974 – September 3, 1980 |
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| Preceded by | None (district established) |
| Succeeded by | Sundra Escott |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Earl Frederick Hilliard
April 9, 1942 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education |
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Earl Frederick Hilliard (born April 9, 1942) is an American politician from Alabama. He served as a U.S. Representative for Alabama's 7th district. Before that, he was a member of the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate. His son, Earl Hilliard Jr., also became a politician.
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Early Life and Education
Earl Hilliard was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Western-Olin High School in Birmingham, graduating in 1960.
College and Law School
He continued his education at Morehouse College, earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in 1964. Later, he studied law at Howard University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1967. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Atlanta University in 1970.
Political Career
Earl Hilliard began his political career in the state of Alabama. He was elected as a Democrat.
Serving in the Alabama Legislature
In 1974, Hilliard was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. He served there until 1980. That year, he was elected to the Alabama Senate, where he continued to serve until 1993.
Representing Alabama in Congress
In 1992, Earl Hilliard was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Alabama's 7th District. This district included parts of Birmingham and Montgomery. His election was a historic moment. He became the first African American to represent Alabama in Congress since Jeremiah Haralson in 1877.
Challenges and Later Elections
Hilliard faced challenges in his re-election campaigns. In 2000, he won the Democratic primary election. However, in 2002, he faced another strong challenge from Artur Davis. The district boundaries had changed, which affected the election. Hilliard won the most votes in the primary but not a majority. This led to a run-off election against Davis. Davis won the run-off with 54% of the votes.
Other Activities and Family
Earl Hilliard is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He is also a member of the board for the Congressional Black Caucus Institute. His son, Earl Hilliard Jr., followed in his footsteps. He served in the Alabama House of Representatives and later ran for Congress in the same 7th district in 2010.
See also
