Dennis Hastert, Former Republican House Speaker, Dies at 84

Fort Smith Fayetteville Springdale Rogers, AR, October 5, 2026 —

Dennis Hastert, who held the position of House Speaker longer than any other Republican, has died at the age of 84. The former congressman was also previously imprisoned.

Hastert’s tenure as Speaker of the House began in 1999 and concluded in 2007, making him the longest-serving member of his party to hold the top leadership post in the chamber. His political career spanned decades, beginning at the local level before ascending to national prominence.

Throughout his time in Washington, Hastert was a key figure in Republican legislative strategy and national policy debates. He represented Illinois’s 14th congressional district for 20 years before retiring from Congress in 2007.

Later in his life, Hastert faced legal challenges. In 2015, he was indicted on charges related to structuring withdrawals to avoid reporting requirements, as well as making false statements to the FBI. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of evading bank reporting rules in 2016. As part of his plea agreement, Hastert agreed to pay $250,000 to the government. He received a 13-month prison sentence in 2017 and was later released.

The specific circumstances and details surrounding his death were not immediately provided.

Story summarized from the original created by MICHAEL TARM and HERBERT G. McCANN, Associated Press on www.nwahomepage.com, see more information here.

Media gallery