Archer died at his farm in Virginia, according to a post on the Archer Center’s website.

HOUSTON — Former Houston-area U.S. Rep. Bill Archer, whose political career started in 1955, has died at age 98, according to the Archer Center.

He died while at his farm in Virginia on Saturday, July 4. According to U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, his wife, Sharon, was with him when he passed.

Archer was in the U.S. House for 30 years, serving constituents in west Houston. He took over the House seat held by former President George H.W. Bush.



This story continues below.

While in Congress, Archer chaired the House Ways and Means Committee, spearheading key legislation, including the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, welfare and healthcare reform, medical savings accounts and middle class tax relief.

Texas Delegation Honors with Deep Respect the Passing of Chairman Bill Archer on July 4, 2026, Age 98

Today, Texas and America join with members of the Texas Delegation to remember and honor the life and contributions of Chairman Bill Archer of Texas, who passed away on July 4,…

— Pete Sessions (@PeteSessions) July 4, 2026

After retiring from the House in 2001, Archer started the Archer Center with the University of Texas. The center expanded on his high school internship program that he started when he first got into Congress. 

“Chairman Archer believed profoundly in the power of public service and invested in students long before they recognized their own potential,” said Katie Romano, executive director of the Archer Center. “Every Archer Fellow — past, present, and future — carries his legacy forward.”

“The University of Texas System is fortunate, proud, and honored to have Congressman Archer’s name permanently associated with our work and our mission,” said Chancellor John Zerwas, MD, in an Instagram post. “Through his extraordinary legacy of leadership and public service, thousands of Archer Fellows have been exposed to the highest ideals of civic engagement and inspired to carry those values forward in their own lives and careers.” 

Archer also served as a Texas State Representative for four years and a council member and mayor pro tempore for Hunters Creek. Before his political career, Archer was a captain in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean War.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

You can read more about Bill Archer on the Archer Center’s website.

Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.