Longtime U.S. Sen. J. Bennett Johnston, a Democrat, died Tuesday at the age of 92. Johnston died in a hospital in Virginia where he was living.

Prior to serving in the U.S. Senate he served in both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature.

He was a U.S. Senator representing Louisiana from 1972 to 1997.

Johnston ran for governor in 1971, but lost a close race to Edwin Edwards in the Democratic primary. Edwards went on to defeat Republican David C. Green in the general election.

Gov. Jeff Landry posted on X, “Bennett Johnston was a giant in not just Louisiana politics, but National politics. There were few like him, and he will be deeply missed. Please join Sharon and me in praying for his wife Mary, their four children, and the entire Johnston family.”

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., released the following statement on the passing of former Johnston: “Senator J. Bennett Johnston was a Louisiana champion and a champion for Louisiana. He played big but spoke softly. Composure was his superpower. Bennett loved Louisiana, loved America and loved his family. He was a great senator. Louisiana weeps. “Becky and I send our condolences to the Johnston family and our everlasting thanks to Bennett.”

The roadway leading into Chennault International Airport is named after Johnston.