Senator Bob Packwood: Legislative Impact, Scandal, and Legacy

U.S. Senator Bob Packwood (R-OR) died June 8, 2026 in Rancho Mirage, California at 93. He left the Senate in September 1995 after the Senate Ethics Committee recommended his expulsion for a pattern of sexual misconduct spanning 1969-1990. In his resignation speech he said, “It is my duty to resign…the honorable thing to do for the country, for the Senate.”

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Packwood served 27 years (1969-1995) as a fiscal conservative and social moderate. He chaired the Senate Finance Committee, helped pass the 1986 Tax Reform Act that lowered the top rate and cut deductions, and introduced the first federal abortion-legalization bill in 1971, earning Planned Parenthood’s praise. He also led the National Republican Senatorial Committee (1977-1979, 1981-1983) and often crossed party lines.

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1968 – defeated Wayne L. Morse for the Senate; 1986 – led tax reform; Nov 1992 – Washington Post reported accusations from 10 women; Nov 1993 – Senate voted 94-6 to subpoena diaries; Sep 1995 – resigned; 1997-1999 – founded Sunrise Research Corp., earning $1.5 million; 2026 – died at 93.

The Independent

The 10,145-page report (?40 lb.) documented at least 18 unwanted sexual advances toward staff and noted more than two dozen women as accusers. It also cited diary alterations, job-selling for Packwood’s ex-wife, and pressure on lobbyists for consulting fees.

Politico

The probe, between the Thomas-Hill hearings and the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, set a Senate-level accountability precedent. The 94-6 vote to enforce a diary subpoena showed unprecedented willingness to compel evidence from a senior member, shaping later harassment reforms.

The Independent

The Ethics Committee called Packwood’s conduct “a pattern of abuse of his position of power.” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the committee had “heard enough, the public has heard enough.” Orrin Hatch (R-UT) expressed belief in redemption, noting Packwood’s continued tax work. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Packwood’s successor, praised his policy achievements but said the misconduct documented in his diaries overshadows his record.

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Abortion-rights activist Diane Linn called the revelations “betrayal.” Accuser Gena Hutton wrote, “I believed his ideals would make a difference…Unfortunately, that was not the case.” Their comments underscored the gap between Packwood’s public support for women and alleged private misconduct.

Maverick GOP Sen. Packwood of Oregon, who resigned after scandal, dies at 93

The Ethics Committee cites 18 advances, while other sources mention “more than two dozen” women, leaving the exact count unclear. Full diary contents remain unreleased, limiting verification of alleged alterations.

The Independent

• “I am aware of the dishonor that has befallen me in the last three years, and I do not want to visit further that dishonor on the Senate,” — Bob Packwood

Politico

• “His horrible history as documented in his own diaries will forever overshadow that public record.” — Ron Wyden, Senator (OR)

Maverick GOP Sen. Packwood of Oregon, who resigned after scandal, dies at 93

• “We just feel betrayal at this point,” — Diane Linn, activist (OR)

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• “I believe in redemption,” — Orrin Hatch, Senator (UT)

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