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DC politician Sterling Tucker dies

He served as the first chairman of the Home Rule Board, then as first chair of the council, once D.C. residents could elect their own leaders.

Well-known Washington D.C. politician Sterling Tucker has passed away.

"It is with the deepest sadness and the most profound respect that we announce the passing of Sterling Tucker, born Dec. 21, 1923," DC Council tweeted Tuesday night, before calling him a "truly epic and exceptional figure in D.C. history."

Tucker is a big part of Washington D.C. history. He served as the first chairman of the Home Rule Board, then as first chair of the council, once D.C. residents could elect their own leaders.

"It’s hard to imagine, now, how challenging those days were. Everything was new. And yet significant, and substantial legislation was adopted by the Council," Phil Mendelson, the DC Council chairman said in a release. "Sterling left public office in 1979, after running unsuccessfully for mayor. His heart was with DC, and he remained a resource up until his last days. He will be missed."

Tucker, who was in his 90s at the time of his death, also served under President Jimmy Carter. Mendelson said the Council plans to announce more information once funeral details are made available. He said they did not have details on how Tucker had died.

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