Hal Rogers
Harold Dallas Rogers (born December 31, 1937) is an American lawyer and politician serving his 22nd term as the U.S. representative for Kentucky's 5th congressional district, having served since 1981. He is a member of the Republican Party. Upon Don Young's death in 2022, Rogers became the dean of the House of Representatives.
Hal Rogers | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2010 | |
| 46th Dean of the United States House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office March 18, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Don Young |
| Chair of the House Appropriations Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Dave Obey |
| Succeeded by | Rodney Frelinghuysen |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 5th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 1981 | |
| Preceded by | Tim Lee Carter |
| Commonwealth Attorney of Pulaski and Rockcastle Counties | |
| In office 1969–1981 | |
| Preceded by | Homer Neikirk |
| Succeeded by | Lester Burns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Harold Dallas Rogers December 31, 1937 Barrier, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Shirley McDowell
(m. 1958; died 1995)Cynthia Doyle (m. 1999) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Kentucky (BA, LLB) |
| Website | House website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1956–1964 |
| Unit | Kentucky Army National Guard North Carolina Army National Guard |
Born in Barrier, Kentucky, Rogers graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degree. He entered private practice after serving in the National Guard for the states of Kentucky and North Carolina. In 1969, he became the commonwealth's attorney for the counties of Pulaski and Rockcastle, an office he would hold until his election to Congress. In 1979 he was the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.
After incumbent U.S. Representative Tim Lee Carter announced his retirement in 1980, Rogers launched a campaign for Kentucky's 5th congressional district. He won the primary with a plurality of the vote and went on to easily win the general election. As his district is considered a Republican stronghold, Rogers has won reelection with over 65% of the vote in every election since 1980 except for the sole exception of 1992.