Herman Talmadge was the son of governor Eugene Talmadge. Before entering politics, Herman earned a law degree from the University of Georgia and practiced law until World War II, when he joined the Navy. After returning from the war in 1946, he served as the campaign manager for his father’s last governor
campaign. Though Eugene won the election, he died before taking office. Though not running for election himself, the General Assembly appointed Herman governor where he served for a short time before the Georgia Supreme Court ruled his appointment unconstitutional. However, in 1948, he easily won in a special election.
As governor, Talmadge successfully fought for a state sales tax to support Georgia’s public education system. He is also credited for bringing more industry to the state. He was also a strong segregationist who fought against the U.S. Supreme Court’s civil rights decisions, primarily the desegregation of schools.
In 1956, Talmadge was elected to the U.S. Senate where he served until 1981. As a senator, Talmadge supported agricultural programs and continued to oppose civil rights legislation. In 1979, he was charged with financial misconduct and was censured by the Senate. He lost the 1980 Senatorial election to Republican Mack Mattingly. After his defeat, Talmadge lived quietly in Henry county until his death at the age of 88.
Interview with Talmadge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VRCVHsl1nk