Former Senator John W. Warmer of Virginia died at the age of 94, on Tuesday. He died of heart failure at his home in Alexandra, Virginia, with his wife and daughter by his side. The news of Warmer’s passing was confirmed by his chief of staff.
Known for his military service and popularized marriage to Elizabeth Taylor, John Warner had represented Virginia in the U.S Senate for 30 years. In 1978, he was elected to the Senate and served five consecutive terms. Warner announced his decision to not run for the position again in 2007, breaking his streak of three decades.
A former Secretary of the Navy, John Warner was the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He was popularly known for having an independent streak that often left conservative GOP leaders infuriated. Moreover, he had also been married to actress Elizabeth Taylor for six years, from 1976-1982.
John Warner was succeeded by Democrat Mark Warner in 2008, who had previously run for the position of Senate in 1996 but returned unsuccessfully. Despite being rivals for decades, the two ended up putting their rivalries aside to become good friends. Mark Warner, who became Senator in 2009 spoke of John Warner in good words and said that his friend “epitomizes what it means to be a senator.“ John Warner even went on to attend his successor’s swearing ceremony in January 2009.
His death has sparked a series of comments from leaders and officials all across the state, who have commended him for remaining an active voice in matters of the public affair even after stepping back from his position. “He was frail but had a lot of spirits and was involved until his last days,” said Susan A. Magill. Gov. Ralph Northam also commented on the news of Warner’s death, stating how “Virginia, and America, have lost a giant.”
Sen.Tim Kaine, Dva said, “Virginia has lost an unmatched leader.” He spoke of his own experience of coming to the Senate and realizing the sheer importance of a man like John Warner; a man who was known for his exemplary leadership and unparalleled integrity. Glenn Youngkin, the Republican nominee for the Virginia Governor, commented on Warner’s honorable leadership.
According to Youngkin, Warner’s 45 years of service have contributed significantly to improving the lives of people in Virginia. With utmost “dignity and devotion,” John Warner served the state for a little over four decades, concluded Youngkin.
John Warner has left an ineffable mark on the state of Virginia. His contributions to the state and efforts to improve the lives of people will be remembered for years to come. He leaves behind his wife of 17 years, his three children, and a legacy like no other.
