Donald Riegle: A Life of Political Switch & Principled Fights

0:00It's April 27. This is U.S. News Today, your AI-powered source for National News. Former Michigan Congressman Donald Regal has passed away at the age of 88. He served nearly three decades in Congress under seven presidents, starting as a Republican before switching to the Democratic Party. His family announced he died Friday from cardiac arrest at his home in San Diego. Regal kicked off his career young, winning a house seat in 1966 at just 28 years old from his hometown of Flint. He challenged Nixon on Vietnam, crossed the aisle in 1973, and jumped to the Senate in 1976, holding that spot until 1994. His family called him the cornerstone of their lives, a courageous leader who stood for justice, economic opportunity, and fairness. They highlighted his pride in battling for working folks' rights, leading Senate opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement that cost. Michigan jobs in pushing health insurance expansions.

1:00As Senate Banking Committee Chair, Regal drove reforms in the savings and loan crisis and secured treatment for Gulf Force Syndrome veterans from the 1991 conflict. In retirement, he chaired government relations at a public relations firm, then chairs time with his wife of 48 years, Laurie, and there. Grandkids across Michigan and California homes. Several services are still being planned, leaving a legacy of bold switches and principled fights.