Former Senator Bob Packwood, a moderate Oregon Republican who resigned from Congress in 1995 amid sexual harassment allegations, died Saturday at age 93, according to an obituary released by his family.

Packwood served 27 years in the U.S. Senate after winning election in 1968 at age 36, defeating Democratic incumbent Wayne Morse. During his tenure, he established himself as a social moderate and fiscal conservative who often voted across party lines. He was best known as the leading Republican advocate for abortion rights and was widely supported by women's groups and Planned Parenthood throughout his career.

As chairman and ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, Packwood played a key role in major tax legislation, including the 1986 tax reform that lowered the top income tax bracket and eliminated many deductions. He was described as an independent and outspoken politician who considered running for president in 1980.

Packwood's career ended in controversy when more than two dozen women, including former employees and acquaintances, accused him of making unwanted sexual advances. The Senate Ethics Committee launched an investigation in 1993 that expanded to include allegations of official misconduct, including claims that he solicited jobs from lobbyists for his ex-wife and attempted to intimidate accusers.

The Senate voted 94-6 to enforce a subpoena for Packwood's personal diaries, which reportedly contained entries relevant to the investigation. After losing court challenges, including a failed appeal to the Supreme Court, Packwood resigned in September 1995.

Following his resignation, Packwood started a lobbying firm, Sunrise Research Corp., in 1997. He remained active in lobbying work for years and continued to advocate for centrist politics and nonpartisan elections. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Franklin, his former chief of staff who became a Portland political consultant.