John Tower (American politician)

John Tower was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Texas from 1961 to 1985. He was notable for being the first Republican senator from Texas since Reconstruction, playing a key role in the party's growth in the South. Tower was influential in defense and foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to lead a commission investigating the Iran-Contra scandal, but his nomination was ultimately unsuccessful. Tower’s political career was marked by his commitment to conservative principles and his contributions to military and defense issues.