Senator John Porter East

John Porter East served as a Senator from North Carolina in the United States Congress from 1981 to 1986. A member of the Republican Party, John Porter East contributed to the legislative process during 1 term in office.

John Porter East’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the Senate, John Porter East participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

John Porter East (May 5, 1931 – June 29, 1986) was an American politician, attorney, and academic. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a U.S. senator from North Carolina from 1981 to 1986. Born in Springfield, Illinois, East served in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Earlham College and was discharged in 1955 after being infected with polio and becoming paraplegic. East then completed a law degree at the University of Illinois College of Law and Ph.D. in political science at the University of Florida. From 1964 to 1980, East was a professor of political science at East Carolina University. In 1980, East ran for U.S. Senate to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Robert B. Morgan and won a close election, in an election year favoring Republicans nationally. As senator, East supported conservative policies and cosponsored the Firearm Owners Protection Act. He also served on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Security and Terrorism. Having already declined to run for re-election and believing that his doctor missed a hypothyroidism diagnosis, East committed suicide in 1986.