Luther Strange

Here is a biographical sketch of Luther Strange (born March 1, 1953) appropriate for an “author biography” style—though he is primarily known as a politician and lawyer rather than for writing:

Luther Strange – Life, Career, and Selected Quotations

Luther Strange (b. 1953) is an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as Alabama’s Attorney General (2011–2017) and then as U.S. Senator (2017–2018). Learn about his background, career, political views, and notable statements.

Introduction

Luther Johnson Strange III is an American attorney and political figure from Alabama. He served as the state’s Attorney General for six years and was later appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy left by Jeff Sessions. Known as a conservative Republican, Strange’s career has centered on law, state-level fights against federal overreach, and alignment with the Trump era of the GOP. Though not primarily an author, his public statements and legal opinions serve as a kind of voice and record of his principles.

Early Life and Education

Luther Strange was born on March 1, 1953, in Birmingham, Alabama. Homewood, and earlier he lived in Sylacauga until about age six.

He graduated from Shades Valley High School in 1971. Tulane University, where he earned his B.A. and then a J.D. degree from Tulane University Law School.

Early Career

After law school, Strange’s first legal employment was with Sonat Offshore, a subsidiary of a natural gas utility in Birmingham.

Later, he founded his own law firm, Strange LLC, in Birmingham.

His early political ambitions were visible in 2006, when he ran for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. He won the Republican primary over George Wallace Jr. but lost the general election to Democrat Jim Folsom Jr.

Attorney General of Alabama (2011–2017)

In 2010, Strange challenged the incumbent Republican Attorney General, Troy King, won the Republican primary, and subsequently won the general election. January 17, 2011.

During his tenure, Strange developed a reputation for legal battles with the federal government, especially concerning environmental regulations, education policy, and other issues of state vs. federal power. Deepwater Horizon oil spill, securing settlements for economic and environmental damages.

One notable legal victory was Lane v. Franks before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014, concerning whistleblower protections under the First Amendment.

He also served as chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association during 2016–2017.

U.S. Senate (2017–2018)

In 2017, when Jeff Sessions was confirmed as U.S. Attorney General, the Alabama governor Robert Bentley appointed Strange to fill Sessions’ vacant Senate seat. February 9, 2017.

He ran in the special election later that year to complete the term and advanced to a Republican runoff, but was defeated by Roy Moore. January 3, 2018, with Doug Jones succeeding after the general election.

In the Senate, Strange was aligned closely with President Donald Trump’s agenda and voted in agreement with Trump's positions about 91% of the time.

Political Views & Key Policies

• Federal vs. State authority: Strange often positioned himself as defending states’ rights and limiting federal regulatory overreach, especially in environmental, education, and health policy.

• Environmental litigation: As Attorney General, he challenged EPA rules and joined multistate suits.

• Gun rights: He has an “A+” rating from the NRA and has opposed firearm restrictions.

• Social issues: He opposed same-sex marriage and was critical of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.

• Economic development: He has emphasized job creation and economic growth, especially in Alabama.

Legacy & Impact

Strange’s impact is more state- and issue-centered than nationally transformative. Some aspects of his legacy:

• He pushed for legal accountability of the federal government from a conservative perspective, shaping how some states litigate federal policies.

• His role in the Deepwater Horizon settlement helped secure damages for affected Gulf states.

• His short Senate tenure and controversial appointment process drew scrutiny and raised questions about political maneuvering in Alabama.

• His defeat in the primary runoff to Roy Moore reflected internal tensions within the Republican Party and populist vs. establishment factions.

Selected Quotes

Here are a few public statements attributed to Luther Strange that reflect his perspectives:

“The BP settlement is good for Alabama, particularly Alabama’s coastal region.” “As Attorney General of Alabama, I have never hesitated to stand up to the EPA before when it was wrong.” “We have a failing Medicaid system, and you know who that’s going to hurt in the end are the most vulnerable …” “Stewardship of our air and water is a responsibility that should be free of the bias of politics.”

These statements emphasize his positioning on environmental governance, state advocacy, and caring for vulnerable populations (in rhetoric, though through the lens of his policy stances).