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Today’s Political Birthday · August 30
Huey Long
Born August 30, 1893. Died September 10, 1935 at age 42.
Huey Pierce Long Jr. (born August 30, 1893; died September 10, 1935) was an American politician who served as Louisiana's 40th governor (1928–1932) and as a U.S. senator from 1932 until his assassination in 1935. A left-wing populist Democrat, he rose to national prominence during the Great Depression.
Long built a formidable political machine in Louisiana, expanded social programs, organized large public works, and proposed the Share Our Wealth plan in 1934. He split with Franklin D. Roosevelt, was impeached in 1929 (the trial collapsed), and was preparing a presidential bid when killed.
Born August 30, 1931. Died December 27, 1982 at age 51.
John L. 'Jack' Swigert Jr. (1931–1982) was an Apollo 13 command module pilot and NASA astronaut; he was elected to Congress but died before taking office.
Born August 30, 1941. Died August 9, 2026 at age 84.
Benjamin L. Jones (1941–2026) was an actor, businessman and U.S. Representative (1989–1993), best known for playing Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard.
Ronald A. George (born 1953) served in the Maryland House of Delegates (2007–2015), sought the 2014 Republican gubernatorial nomination, and owns a jewelry business.
Born August 30, 1948. Died December 4, 1969 at age 21.
Fred Hampton (1948–1969) was deputy chairman of the Black Panther Party, led Illinois chapter and helped form the Rainbow Coalition; he was killed in a 1969 raid.
