John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV has died. The politician fought for the rights of the poorest.

Jay Rockefeller transitioned from social work to politics, starting as an English teacher in Japan and a Peace Corps member. He served in the West Virginia House of Delegates and as Secretary of State before becoming Governor in 1977. From 1985 to 2015, he was a U.S. Senator, advocating for healthcare access and workers' rights. A Democrat, he was known for his bipartisan cooperation and environmental advocacy, contrasting with his family's Republican legacy. Rockefeller also upheld philanthropic traditions in education and social initiatives.