Indiana is mourning the loss of a longtime figure in Indiana politics with the death of Phillip Hayes.

According to Newsbreak, Philip H. Hayes, a former Indiana representative who represented the 8th District of Indiana, passed away, local officials confirmed.

Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, who called himself a longtime friend of Hayes', announced his death in a Facebook post.

"Phil was a long-time friend and the source of sage political advice and encouragement throughout my political career," his post read. "I have long admired Phil’s intellect, wit and story-telling ability. Phil had the innate ability to cut through political silliness and had a keen focus on serving the public in the most practical, helpful manner possible."

Philip Hayes, former U.S. congressman and Evansville attorney, dies at 83 https://t.co/OhiLGWh8OL via @courierpress

— Chris PIlz (@chrispilz) December 21, 2023

Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) issued a statement on Hayes' passing.

"Today, I join all Hoosiers in mourning the loss of former U.S. Representative Philip Hayes," Bucshon said. "Mr. Hayes was a devoted public servant who possessed an unwavering commitment to the people of Indiana, serving in the Indiana Senate, in the U.S. House of Representatives, and as County Attorney."

He added, "I ask that Hoosiers join me in praying for his family, while remembering the great legacy he left behind."

Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch also sang Hayes' praises, honoring his legacy in a statement.

"My prayers are with the Philip Hayes’ family. Phil served the people of the Evansville area as a state senator & then as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 70s. Southwest Indiana lost a great public servant & I lost a friend when Phil passed away today," Crouch said.

Hayes was elected to the House of Representatives in 1974. He served in the Indiana Senate in 1970.

Newsbreak noted:

Hayes did not run for re-election to the House in 1976. He instead opted to challenge incumbent Vance Hartke in the Democratic primary for the United States Senate in Indiana. Hartke, who was Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee at the time, was able to fend off Hayes.

In the 2000s, Hayes returned to public service after being elected as the County Attorney of Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Clearly, Hayes made quite an impact on Indiana politics and many will remember his legacy.