LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Former Kentucky Congressman Larry J. Hopkins has died.
Larry Hopkins was elected in 1978 to serve Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District. He served until 1993. Hopkins was also a ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee.
He attended Murray State University and served in the Marine Corps before beginning his political career. Hopkins served as the Fayette County Clerk and in the Kentucky State House of Representatives.
"Larry Hopkins was a legend in Kentucky politics and a force for the Commonwealth in the House of Representatives," said Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr. "Serving for over a decade in the seat I now hold, Larry rose to being the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. He was beloved by both sides of the aisle, and his humor was famous with constituents and colleagues. On a personal note, Larry was a great friend and mentor to me during and before my time in Congress. I will miss him, and I join all Kentuckians in praying for his family, friends and the community that he loved so much."
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, former Representative Larry Hopkins, who proudly served the people of Central Kentucky at each level of local, state, and federal government. Larry had an independent voice, allowing him to overcome partisan rancor to make friends on both sides of the political aisle. He was a premier legislator in both Frankfort and Washington and will be missed by all of his former colleagues," said U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.
“I had the opportunity to serve alongside Larry in Congress for nearly a decade, standing by his side as he tackled the most pressing issues facing our state and the nation. As a former marine, he used his expertise on the House Armed Services Committee to reform and modernize our military. As a representative of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, he worked on numerous bills to improve the lives of our farmers. Above all, Larry cared deeply about the Commonwealth."
Hopkins also ran for governor in 1991. He was 88 years old.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
