Richard H. Austin

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For other persons of a similar name see Richard Austin (disambiguation).

Richard H. Austin (May 6, 1913 – April 20, 2001) was the first African American to hold a state-wide elected position in Michigan. Austin served as the Michigan Secretary of State.

Austin was born in Stouts Mountain, Cullman County, Alabama on May 6, 1913. He was an accountant by profession. He served as a delegate for the Wayne County 6th District to the constitutional convention that produced the 1962 Michigan Constitution. In 1964, he ran for Congress in Michigan's 1st congressional district, but lost to John Conyers. He then made an unsuccessful bid to become mayor of Detroit in 1969.

In 1970, Austin was elected as the Michigan Secretary of State. During his tenure, he supported the enactment of laws mandating use of seatbelts and child safety seats. He served as Secretary of State from 1971-1995.

In 1994, Austin lost his bid for re-election to the office of Secretary of State to Candice Miller, a Republican.

Austin died from Alzheimer's Disease on April 20, 2001 at the age of 87.

[edit] External links

• Political Graveyard Entry

Preceded by James M. Hare

Secretary of State of Michigan 1971-1994

Succeeded by Candice Miller