Former Indiana Congressman Passes Away at 94

Governor Braun has ordered flag to half-staff in honor of Lee Hamilton.

INDIANAPOLIS - Former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton has passed away. 

Hamilton died on Tuesday at the age of 94. 

Hamilton served Indiana's 9th Congressional District from 1965 to 1999. Indiana's 9th District includes local counties such as Dearborn, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties. 

"Indiana mourns the passing of Lee Hamilton, a man whose life embodied integrity, civility, and public service. We extend our prayers to his family and honor his legacy of serving Hoosiers," said Governor Mike Braun. 

The governor has ordered flags to be lowered statewide at all state facilities immediately until sunset on the day of his internment, which will be shared once public.

Governor Braun encourages all Hoosiers to help honor Hamilton by lowering flags to half-staff at their homes and businesses.

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Lee Hamilton.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of a giant in Hoosier Democratic politics. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton had a tremendous impact on our state and our country, served Southern Indiana as a champion for working families, and shaped foreign policy in Congress for decades. Our thoughts are with the family of Congressman Hamilton and the entire Southern Indiana Democratic community.” 

“Rep. Hamilton’s legacy of service continues to reverberate, and his leadership continues to be a shining example of how legislators should serve their constituents in Congress. He exemplified public service in his responsiveness and ability to work across the aisle, even on the most important issues. Through his work on the Iran-contra scandal, the 9/11 Commission, and the Iraq Study Group, Rep. Hamilton fought so the American people would always have a transparent look at their government. It may be impossible to fill the shoes that Rep. Hamilton walked in, but his legacy has never been more important at a time when political divides continue to grow. May we carry on Rep. Hamilton’s vision of leadership that isn’t afraid of working across the aisle, even when it may be politically inconvenient,” Tallian said.