Ralph Yarborough, American colonel, lawyer, and politician (b. 1903)

Ralph Yarborough: A Progressive Voice from Texas in the U.S. Senate

Ralph Webster Yarborough (June 8, 1903 – January 27, 1996) was a prominent American politician and lawyer whose distinguished career in public service left an indelible mark on Texas and the nation. A staunch Texas Democrat, he served with distinction in the United States Senate from 1957 to 1971. During his tenure, Yarborough emerged as a leading figure and a powerful advocate for the progressive wing of his party, championing policies aimed at social justice, economic equality, and civil liberties for all Americans.

A Champion of Civil Rights in the South

In an era when racial segregation remained entrenched across the Southern states, Senator Yarborough distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to civil rights. Unlike the majority of his Southern congressional colleagues, including many from his home state, Yarborough courageously refused to support the controversial 1956 Southern Manifesto. This declaration, signed by 101 members of Congress from former Confederate states, explicitly called for massive resistance to the Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision and the racial integration of schools and other public facilities.

Yarborough's progressive stance was not merely symbolic; he consistently cast pivotal votes in favor of landmark civil rights legislation. He voted to approve:

Furthermore, Yarborough voted for the historic confirmation of Thurgood Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967, who became the first African American Supreme Court Justice. Remarkably, Senator Yarborough was the only senator from a state that was part of the Confederacy to vote in favor of all five of these transformative civil rights bills, underscoring his unique and courageous position within the Southern political landscape.

Early Life, Legal Career, and Political Ascendancy

Born in Chandler, Texas, on June 8, 1903, Ralph Yarborough's path to the Senate began with a strong foundation in law. After earning his degree from the prestigious University of Texas School of Law, he established a law practice in El Paso. His early career showcased his dedication to public service and challenging powerful interests, as he became an assistant to Texas Attorney General James V. Allred in 1931, where he gained recognition for specializing in the prosecution of major oil companies.

This collaboration proved fruitful; when James V. Allred was subsequently elected Governor of Texas, he appointed Yarborough to a judgeship in Travis County. Following his dedicated service in the United States Army during World War II, Yarborough embarked on a series of campaigns for governor, consistently positioning himself against the politically dominant conservative faction of Texas Democrats led by Governor Allan Shivers. These gubernatorial bids, though unsuccessful, solidified his reputation as a progressive voice and built a loyal following.

His opportunity for federal office arose in 1957 when Price Daniel resigned from his U.S. Senate seat after winning the 1956 gubernatorial election. Yarborough seized this moment, winning the special election to serve the remainder of Daniel's term. He successfully secured a full term in the Senate in 1958 and was reelected in 1964, notably defeating a rising Republican figure, George H. W. Bush, who was then Chairman of the Harris County Republican Party and would later become the 41st President of the United States. This victory against a future president further cemented Yarborough's political prominence.

Legislative Legacy: The "Jam on the Lower Shelf" and Environmental Stewardship

Affectionately known as "Smilin' Ralph" due to his approachable demeanor, Yarborough captivated voters with his populist appeal and memorable campaign slogan: "Let's put the jam on the lower shelf so the little people can reach it." This slogan encapsulated his political philosophy, emphasizing government's role in ensuring opportunities and benefits were accessible to all, not just the privileged.

As a senator, he became a fervent supporter of President Lyndon B. Johnson's ambitious "Great Society" legislative agenda. His commitment to social welfare and economic uplift was evident in his staunch advocacy for key programs, including:

Beyond social programs, Yarborough was a visionary leader in environmental protection. He was a powerful advocate for conservation, instrumental in the creation of the Big Thicket National Preserve in Southeast Texas, which was established in 1974 as the nation's first national preserve. Furthermore, he contributed significantly to legislative efforts that paved the way for landmark conservation laws, including what would become the Endangered Species Act, showcasing his foresight in protecting America's natural heritage.

Senator Yarborough was also a vocal critic of the Vietnam War, aligning with the growing anti-war sentiment within the progressive movement. He actively supported Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1968, a promising alliance tragically cut short by Kennedy's assassination.

Later Career and Retirement

The political landscape in Texas began to shift in the late 1960s, with a rising tide of conservatism. In 1970, this shift proved challenging for Yarborough when he lost his bid for re-nomination in the Democratic primary to fellow Democrat Lloyd Bentsen, who campaigned on a more conservative platform. This defeat marked a significant turning point in his federal political career.

Undeterred, Yarborough made another attempt to return to the Senate in 1972, vying for Texas's other Senate seat in the Democratic primary. However, he was ultimately defeated by Barefoot Sanders. Following this second primary loss, Ralph Yarborough concluded his active pursuit of public office, retiring from the political arena after 1972. He passed away on January 27, 1996, leaving behind a profound legacy as a dedicated public servant and a progressive pioneer from the South.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ralph Yarborough

When did Ralph Yarborough serve in the U.S. Senate?
Ralph Yarborough served in the United States Senate from April 1957 to January 1971. He initially won a special election to complete an unexpired term and was subsequently elected to two full terms.
Why was Ralph Yarborough considered a progressive Democrat?
He was considered a progressive Democrat due to his strong advocacy for civil rights, including his refusal to sign the Southern Manifesto and his votes for all major Civil Rights Acts. He also championed "Great Society" programs like Medicare and Medicaid, supported federal aid for education and veterans, and was a pioneer in environmental protection, consistently advocating for policies that aimed to uplift the "little people" and protect natural resources.
What was Ralph Yarborough's stance on civil rights?
Ralph Yarborough was a staunch proponent of civil rights. He famously refused to sign the 1956 Southern Manifesto, which advocated for resistance to school integration. He also voted in favor of every major civil rights bill of his era, including the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968, the 24th Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He was the only senator from a former Confederate state to vote for all five of these significant civil rights laws.
What environmental legislation is Ralph Yarborough associated with?
Senator Yarborough was a leading environmental advocate. He was instrumental in establishing the Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas, the nation's first national preserve. He also contributed significantly to legislative efforts that laid the groundwork for modern conservation laws, including the spirit and intent behind the Endangered Species Act.
What was the significance of Ralph Yarborough's defeat of George H. W. Bush?
In 1964, Ralph Yarborough defeated George H. W. Bush, then a rising Republican politician, for his Senate re-election. This victory underscored Yarborough's political strength and populist appeal at the time, particularly given that Bush later became President of the United States. It was a notable win against a future national leader.