# Senators August 3

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Curiosity struck me today on a very random topic. What might be some interesting facts about SENATORS that have represented North Carolina.

For those that are not from the Tar Heel State we currently are represented by Thom Tills (R) and Richard Burr (R). Senator Tillis was elected first in 2014 and won a second term in 2020. Senator Burr first was elected in 2004 and has served since then winning in 2010 and 2016. He is not running in 2022.

Senator Burr serving 18 years does not qualify him for top five longest-term Senators from North Carolina. That list includes the five names below. Two of them served while I have been in North Carolina. Jesse Helms and Sam Ervin.

Longest Serving NC Senators

Found it fascinating that Furnifold Simmons (D) and Lee Overman (D) both stopped serving less than 3 months apart. Went researching the reasons why.

Simmons stopping serving because he lost to Josiah Bailey who had the backing of Governor O Max Gardner. Overman didn’t lose an election he died on December 12, 1930, while still in office. Cameron Morrison replaced Overman.

Living US Senators from North Carolina

Today there are four former US Senators still alive. Two of them will turn 95 on their next birthday Jim Broyhill and Lauch Faircloth. Faircloth apparently lives in Clinton NC and Broyhill in Winston-Salem.

The other two are John Edwards and Elizabeth Dole. Today Edwards is a Partner in Edwards/Kirby Law Firm with offices in Raleigh NC. Elizabeth Dole is still involved with her Foundation and lives in Washington DC.