Humphrey, Hubert (Horatio) (1911-1978)

US political leader, vice president 1965-69. He was elected to the US Senate in 1948, serving for three terms, distinguishing himself an eloquent and effective promoter of key legislation.

He was an unsuccessful candidate for his party's nomination for president in 1960. Serving as vice president under Lyndon B Johnson, he made an unsuccessful run for the presidency in 1968, and further unsuccessful attempts for the Democratic nomination in 1972 and 1976. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1970 and 1976.

Humphrey was born in Wallace, South Dakota, and trained as a pharmacist. Settling in Minnesota, he became active in Democratic party politics and was elected mayor of Minneapolis in 1945. He strongly supported the 1964 Civil Rights Act.