George McGovern has died. The former presidential candidate and U.S. Senator was 90.
McGovern passed away early Sunday at a hospice in Sioux Falls, S.D., his home state.
Steve Hildebrand, a spokesman for the family, said in a statement to NBC News:
"Our wonderful father, George McGovern passed away peacefully at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by our family and life-long friends.
"We are blessed to know that our father lived a long, successful and productive life advocating for the hungry, being a progressive voice for millions and fighting for peace."
McGovern was a pilot in World War II who became an early critic of the Vietnam War and a leader of the Democrats' liberal wing. He served in the Senate from 1963-1981.
He ran for president three times, failing to win the Democratic nomination in 1968 and 1984. In 1972, he was the party's candidate against incumbent Richard Nixon.
He challenged Nixon on a platform opposing the war in Vietnam, but suffered one of the most lopsided defeats in history, winning only one state plus D.C.
R.I.P.