Death Summary: Helms died of unspecified natural causes in Raleigh, N.C. at the age of 86.

Who was Jesse Helms: Born Jesse Alexander Helms, Jr. this United States Senator served five terms for the state of North Carolina from 1973 to 2003. He was a member of the Republican Party.

The Baptist was outspoken on his oppostition to issues such as abortion, gay rights, and affirmative action and was succeeded by Elizabeth Dole.

Helms was the Chairman o the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations from 1995 to 2001, and earlier in his career served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry from 1981 to 1987.

He was considered by some to be a racist.

Categories: Politics.