Former Alabama Democratic Party Executive Director and Jones Campaign finance chair Giles Perkins has died from his long struggle with pancreatic cancer. Perkins has been involved in a number of causes, but his greatest success was former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones’ unlikely win for U.S. Senate as a Democrat in the special election last December.
“It is with great sadness today that Louise and I mourn the loss of our dear friend Giles Perkins, who had fought fiercely against cancer for several years,” Jones said. “Giles was more than just an accomplished attorney, community activist and brilliant political advisor and strategist. He understood Alabama’s complicated history, but also had the vision to see what our collective future could hold if we worked together. Anyone who crossed paths with him, be it in politics or through his remarkable community service projects, saw his passion for making our state—and the entire South—the best version of itself. He challenged me constantly – so much so that I affectionately dubbed him ‘Yoda’ on the campaign trail last year. His tough love approach, and his ability to see the bigger picture, made me a better candidate and most certainly a better U.S. Senator. I will always cherish his friendship. To his wife Hillery, and their children Barton, Hugh and Beverly, Louise and I share our deepest condolences and our commitment to carry on his legacy by fighting for a brighter future for Alabama.”
Congresswoman Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, said in a statement, “I’m saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Giles Perkins. He was a man who truly loved serving the people of Alabama. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Perkins was 51. He had battled pancreatic cancer for the last four years.
