Long-time Congressman Lee Hamilton dies at 94

Hamilton served in Congress for 34 years and was a respected national security expert.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:47pm

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Lee Hamilton, a long-time Congressman from Indiana's ninth congressional district, has died at the age of 94 at his home in Bloomington. Hamilton, a Democrat, served in Congress from 1964 to 1999 and was known as a statesman and national security expert. After leaving Congress, he continued to play prominent roles in national security, including co-chairing the commission that investigated the 9/11 attacks.

Why it matters

Hamilton was a respected voice on national security issues and a strong advocate for his home state of Indiana. His passing marks the end of an era for Indiana politics and the loss of an experienced and bipartisan leader in Washington.

The details

Hamilton, an Evansville native, graduated from DePauw University and the IU School of Law, and practiced law in Columbus for 10 years before getting elected to Congress in 1964. During his 34 years in Congress, he earned a reputation as a statesman and national security expert. After retiring from Congress in 1999, he continued to play prominent roles in national security, including co-chairing the commission that investigated the 9/11 attacks.

  • Hamilton was first elected to Congress in 1964.
  • He served in Congress until his retirement in 1999.
  • Hamilton died at his home in Bloomington on February 4, 2026.

The players

Lee Hamilton

A long-time Congressman from Indiana's ninth congressional district who served from 1964 to 1999 and was known as a statesman and national security expert.

Todd Young

The current Senator from Indiana who released a statement calling Hamilton "a statesman, a respected voice on national security, and a strong advocate for Hoosiers."

Mike Braun

The current Governor of Indiana who has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of Hamilton.

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What they’re saying

“Hamilton was a statesman, a respected voice on national security, and a strong advocate for Hoosiers.”

— Todd Young, Senator (1010wcsi.com)

The takeaway

Hamilton's passing marks the end of an era for Indiana politics and the loss of an experienced and bipartisan leader in Washington who was respected for his expertise in national security and his advocacy for his home state.