Sonny Callahan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sonny Callahan
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 1st district |
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| In office January 3, 1985 – January 3, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Jack Edwards |
| Succeeded by | Jo Bonner |
| Member of the Alabama Senate | |
| In office 1979–1985 |
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| Succeeded by | Ann Bedsole |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1971–1979 |
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| Succeeded by | Ann Bedsole |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Herbert Leon Callahan
September 11, 1932 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | June 24, 2021 (aged 88) |
| Political party | Democratic (before 1982) Republican (1982–2021) |
| Spouse | Karen Reed |
| Children | 6 |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
Herbert Leon "Sonny" Callahan (born September 11, 1932 – died June 24, 2021) was an American businessman and politician from Alabama. He served in the United States House of Representatives for many years. Before that, he was a member of the Alabama state government.
Callahan started his political career as a Democrat. Later, he switched to the Republican Party. He represented the people of Mobile, Alabama and the surrounding area.
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Early Life and Education
Sonny Callahan was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1932. He grew up in a large family with eight brothers and sisters. After attending local public schools, he took classes at the University of Alabama's Mobile campus.
He left college to serve in the United States Navy. He was in the Navy from 1952 to 1954.
Political Career
Starting in State Politics
After his time in the Navy, Callahan returned to Mobile. He began working in the trucking and warehousing industries. He joined the Democratic Party and became very involved in local politics.
In 1970, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. Later, in 1978, he was elected to the Alabama Senate. When he left these roles, another politician named Ann Bedsole took his place.
In 1982, Callahan tried to become the Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. He ran as a Democrat but did not win this election.
Switching Parties and Going to Congress
During the 1960s, many changes happened in the Southern United States. More African Americans gained the right to vote. Because of these changes, many white Democrats in the South started to join the Republican Party.
In 1984, a Republican congressman named Jack Edwards decided not to run again. Both the Democratic and Republican parties wanted Callahan to run for the open seat. He chose to run as a Republican.
Callahan won the election by a small number of votes. He was helped by the popularity of President Ronald Reagan, who was also a Republican. Reagan was running for his second term that year.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
After his first close election, Callahan easily won re-election many times. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1985 to 2003. Sometimes, he ran without any opponents.
In Congress, Callahan became an important leader. When Republicans gained control of Congress in 1994, he became the chairman of a special committee. This committee helped decide how the government spent money on foreign aid. Later, he chaired another committee that dealt with energy and water projects.
Callahan decided to retire from Congress in 2003. His chief of staff, Jo Bonner, won the election to take his place.
After Congress
After leaving Congress, Sonny Callahan started his own business. It was a lobbying firm called Sonny Callahan and Associates. A lobbying firm works to influence government decisions. He also worked as an advisor on federal budget matters.
Death
Sonny Callahan passed away on June 24, 2021. He was 88 years old.
See also
- List of American politicians who switched parties in office
