Alcee Hastings

U.S. Representative from Florida, civil rights advocate

Biography

Alcee Lamar Hastings (born September 5, 1936) is an American politician and former judge who has represented Florida's 20th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993. Born in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Hastings earned his law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law and practiced law before being appointed as a federal judge in 1979, making him the first African American federal judge in Florida. His judicial career was cut short when he was impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate in 1989 on charges of bribery and perjury, becoming the sixth federal judge to be removed through impeachment. After leaving the bench, Hastings successfully transitioned to electoral politics, winning his congressional seat and becoming a respected Democratic leader. In Congress, Hastings has been a vocal advocate for civil rights, democracy promotion, and social justice. He served as the chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and has been a leading voice on international human rights issues. His political career demonstrates resilience and redemption, earning him respect within the Democratic caucus despite his controversial judicial past.

The Name Alcee

Alcee is an uncommon given name in American politics, making Hastings one of the most notable bearers of the name and helping to establish its association with African American political leadership and persistence.

Quick Facts

Alcee

English origin

“A shortened, Anglicized form possibly derived from Alcibiades or similar classical names, modernized with the accessible -ee ending. The name feels contemporary while nodding to classical heritage, striking a balance between tradition and modern informality. It works as both a given name and nickname.”