Former US Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat who shaped national health-care debates for decades, has died at 89 at his home in Washington, D.C.
Rockefeller served five terms in the Senate and earlier served two terms as West Virginia’s governor.
Colleagues remembered him as a patrician progressive who used his platform to expand health access and defend social insurance programs.
He chaired key committees dealing with commerce and intelligence during his long Capitol career.
Tributes arrived from both parties, including Republicans who tangled with him on policy but praised his seriousness and civility.
West Virginia leaders said his death closes a chapter in the state’s political history that stretched from the coal economy into the ACA era.
A formal memorial schedule was expected to be announced by the family and the Senate.
Rockefeller’s career bridged Great Society liberalism and 21st-century fights over coverage expansions that still define Democratic politics.
