Orrin Hatch

Orrin Grant Hatch (March 22, 1934 – April 23, 2023) was an American politician and lawyer who served as a United States Senator from Utah from 1977 to 2019, making him one of the longest-serving senators in American history. First elected in 1976, Hatch became a leading conservative voice in the Senate for over four decades, serving on numerous important committees including Judiciary, Finance, and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He was known for his strong conservative positions on judicial appointments, healthcare policy, and constitutional issues, and played a significant role in shaping Republican legislative priorities. Hatch authored the Hatch-Waxman Act, landmark legislation that affected pharmaceutical development and generic drug availability. Throughout his career, he was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his legislative skill and work ethic. He ran for president in 2000 but withdrew before the primaries. In his later years in the Senate, Hatch served as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he oversaw confirmation hearings for multiple Supreme Court justices. After retiring from the Senate, he remained active in public discourse and policy discussions. His long tenure made him a defining figure in modern Senate history and Utah politics.