Rep. Steve McMillan, a state lawmaker since 1980, died Thursday, according to a statement from House leadership. The Bay Minette Republican, 80, in January announced that he would undergo treatment for brain tumors.
“Throughout his 42 years in the Alabama House of Representatives, Rep. Steve McMillan worked tirelessly to serve the needs of his Baldwin County constituents and make Alabama an even better place to live, work, worship, and raise a family,” House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said.
“His integrity and demeanor earned him the trust of House members on both sides of the aisle, and he worked effectively with Republicans and Democrats alike.”
Some of McMillan’s accomplishments include working to create the Fair Ballot Commission, the State Teacher of the Year program, creating the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Tourism organization and helping to push for the Lodge at Gulf State Park, according to his delegation office.
McMillan last year said he was not seeking reelection. In January, he called his years in the Legislature “an honor of a lifetime.”
McMillan’s twin brother, John McMillan, previously held the same House seat and has served in a variety of elected positions. He was recently selected to lead the new Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission.
“The members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus join me in lifting up the McMillan family in this time of need and asking God to give them strength and consolation in the days ahead,” Ledbetter said.