RALEIGH – The longest serving chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party had died.  Jack Hawke, was the campaign manager for Jim Gardner’s successful Congressional campaign in 1966, and ran for congress in 1968, 1970 and 1972. He was also the campaign manager of Jim Martin’s campaign for Governor in 1984 and Jim Gardner’s campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 1988.

Hawke was the GOP party chair from 1987 to 1995. Hawke most recently served as the former president of The Civitas Institute, and as a senior advisor to Governor Pat McCrory.

 “The North Carolina Republican Party extends our deepest condolences to Jack’s family and the many friends he made throughout his life,” said current Republican Party Chairman Claude Pope in a statement issued Tuesday. “ Jack’s tremendous devotion to North Carolina, his sheer political brilliance, and his legendary sense of humor will be sorely missed.”

Pope also said Hawke was along those who should be credited for more recent Republican political successes, including the party having majorities in the both the State House, the State Senate, and the Governor’s Mansion.