TENNESSEE (WATE) — Senator Lamar Alexander, it’s a name known across the state, and the country for decades.

Next month, Tennessee’s longest serving politician will leave elected office and return home to East Tennessee.

WATE 6 On Your Side reporter Blake Stevens spoke with the outgoing senator about the Washington he leaves behind.

Alexander served in the U.S. Senate from 2000 to 2018. He previously served as Tennessee governor from 1979 to 1987. He also served as president of the University of Tennessee and U.S. Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush. 

Alexander has served more combined years as governor and U.S. Senator than any other Tennessean.

Republican Bill Hagerty will officially fill Alexander’s seat in the Senate January 3.