Harold E. Hughes
| Harold Hughes | |
|---|---|
 |
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United States Senator from Iowa |
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In office January 3, 1969 – January 3, 1975 |
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| Preceded by | Bourke B. Hickenlooper |
| Succeeded by | John Culver |
| 36th Governor of Iowa | |
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In office January 17, 1963 – January 1, 1969 |
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| Lieutenant |
W. L. Mooty Robert D. Fulton |
| Preceded by | Norman A. Erbe |
| Succeeded by | Robert D. Fulton |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Harold Everett Hughes February 10, 1922 Ida Grove, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | October 23, 1996 (aged 74) Glendale, Arizona, U.S. |
| Political party |
Republican (Before 1962) Democratic (1962–1996) |
| Education | University of Iowa |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Harold Everett Hughes (February 10, 1922 – October 23, 1996) was the 36th Governor of Iowa from 1963 until 1969; he had been a Republican earlier in his life. He also served as a Democratic United States Senator from 1969 until 1975.
Horold was born in 1922 in Ida Grove. Harold married Eva Mercer in August of 1941 in a quiet little ceremony. In 1942, Harolds brother, Jesse was killed in a car accident at the age of 23. Harold and Eva had a daughter in 1942 and shortly after Harold was drafted. Hughes served in the U.S. Army, fighting in the North African campaign, and was court-martialed for assaulting an officer. The trial resulted in him being sent to fight in Sicily in 1943. He became ill and another soldier took his place on a landing craft at Anzio. The craft exploded, killing his replacement, Pvt. Walter Thomsen, and many others.
Hughes' interest in politics was stirred by involvement in the trucking industry. He became a manager of a local trucking business, and then began organizing independent truckers. He started the Iowa Better Trucking Bureau and was eventually elected to the State Commerce Commission, which he served from 1958–1962, including a term as its chairman.
In 1952, after years struggling with alcoholism, Hughes' desperation drove him to the brink of suicide. He describes in his book how he climbed into a bathtub (to make the mess easier to clean up) with a shotgun and was ready to pull the trigger, when he cried out to God for help, and experienced what may be called a moment of spiritual enlightenment which was to remain a memorable turning point throughout the remainder of this life, and which led him to deep spiritual commitments. He began to study the Bible diligently, developed his prayer life, and even considered a career in the ministry. He also embraced the AA program of recovery and started an AA group in Ida Grove, Iowa, in 1955.
Hughes grew up a Republican in a heavily Republican area, but was persuaded to switch parties. His service on the State Commerce Commission also brought him in contact with the Interstate Commerce Commission and national politics. He then ran for Governor of Iowa on the Democratic ticket and defeated incumbent Republican Norman Erbe in 1962.
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