job after Patterson's death in the general election. Holmes was the first Democrat in 18 years to serve as Oregon's governor, and the first Democrat in 22 years to win an Oregon gubernatorial election. While in office, Holmes sought to make state government more efficient and responsive. He supported public power development, and the abolition of capital punishment. He commuted every death sentence during his governorship. Holmes also worked to reform education, welfare programs, and also cut taxes by 16%. In 1958, he lost his bid for re-election to Oregon Secretary of State Mark Hatfield, a rising star in the Oregon Republican Party. Later life and family He and the former Marie Hoy were married on May 1, 1934, and they had two sons, Robert Jr. and George. Following his governorship, Holmes hosted a television public affairs program on Portland's KOIN, and served on the Oregon Board of Higher Education from 1969 to 1974. From 1961 to 1962, Holmes also was on a commission that hoped to revise the Oregon Constitution. A one-time Christian Scientist, Holmes attended the Episcopal Church. Robert D. Holmes died on June 6, 1976, in Astoria of cancer. References External links Guide to Holmes Administration - Oregon State Archives Democratic Party governors of Oregon Democratic Party Oregon state senators 1909 births 1976 deaths Politicians from Astoria, Oregon University of Oregon alumni Journalists from Portland, Oregon People from Canisteo, New York School board members in Oregon 20th-century American politicians