James Jeffords
James Jeffords was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. senator from Vermont. He made a significant power shift in the U.S. Senate by leaving the Republican Party in 2001 and becoming an independent, which gave Democrats control of the chamber for 18 months.
Senator
May 11, 1934
Taurus
August 18, 2014
80
Rutland, Vermont
James Jeffords was a prominent American politician who represented Vermont as a U.S. senator. He gained widespread attention in 2001 when he left the Republican Party and declared himself an independent, resulting in a shift of power in the Senate to the Democrats for 18 months. Throughout his career, Jeffords played a crucial role in the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and was actively involved in environmental protection initiatives. Prior to his tenure in the U.S. Senate, he served as a Vermont state senator and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Jeffords was also known for his strong advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. He passed away on August 18, 2014, at the age of 80.