United States Representative Directory

William Lacy Clay

William Lacy Clay served as a representative for Missouri (1969-2001).

  • Democratic
  • Missouri
  • District 1
  • Former
Portrait of William Lacy ClayMissouri
Role Representative

Current assignment referenced in the congressional directory.

State Missouri

Representing constituents across the Missouri delegation.

District District 1

District insights and legislative focus areas.

Service period 1969-2001

Years of public service formally recorded.

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Biography

William Lacy Clay (born April 30, 1931) is a former American politician who represented Missouri in the United States House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District from January 3, 1969, to January 3, 2001. Over the course of his career in Congress, Clay completed 16 terms in office, marking more than three decades of continuous legislative service.

During his tenure, Clay served as a Democratic representative for Missouri’s 1st District through significant periods of political and social change at the federal level. His long service in the House of Representatives established him as a durable figure in Missouri’s congressional delegation. Clay left office on January 3, 2001, concluding a 32-year career as a historical member of Congress from Missouri.

Congressional Record

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