Strom Thurmond

Strom Thurmond was an American politician and a prominent figure in the mid-20th century, serving as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina for 48 years, from 1954 to 2003. Initially a Democrat, he became known for his staunch opposition to civil rights and segregation. In 1948, he ran for president as a Dixiecrat, emphasizing states' rights and racial segregation. Over time, he switched to the Republican Party and became influential in conservative politics. Thurmond is notable for his record-long filibuster against civil rights legislation and for being the oldest person to serve in the Senate when he retired.