Rep. John Lewis was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, acting as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and playing a key role in the struggle to end segregation in the U.S.
A member of the Democratic Party, John Lewis represents Georgia's 5th District in the United States House of Representatives, having taken over the seat in 1987. The district encompasses almost all of Atlanta.
Born in Troy, Ala., the son of sharecroppers, John Lewis was educated at American Baptist Theological Seminary and at Fisk University, both in Nashville, Tenn., where he became active in the local sit-in movement.
John Lewis participated in the Freedom Rides to desegregate the South, and was a national leader in the struggle for civil rights.
Lewis became nationally known after his role on the Selma to Montgomery marches, when police beat the non-violently marching Lewis in public, leaving head wounds still visible today.
Lewis had been backing Hillary Clinton in the 2008 presidential race, but citing his district's overwhelming support for Barack Obama in the February 5 primary, he announced he is switching his superdelegate vote.
NATIONAL[NOTE: Figures above are averages of the 3-6 most recent surveys in each area. Updated June 17]
