LILLINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Robert Morgan, a former U.S. senator who also served in the North Carolina Legislature and as state attorney general, has died. He was 90.

Carroll Leggett, Morgan’s former chief of staff during his time as attorney general and U.S. senator, said Morgan died Saturday at his home in Buies Creek. Leggett said Morgan had been in declining health.

Morgan, a Democrat, served in the U.S. Senate from 1975 until 1981. After losing his re-election bid, Morgan served as director of the State Bureau of Investigation until 1992, when he returned to his general law practice.

Morgan was a state senator from 1955 to 1969 and N.C. attorney general from 1969 to 1974.

As attorney general, Morgan established a consumer protection office and was an advocate for North Carolina residents before the N.C. Utilities Commission, which sets rates paid by consumers for electric power.

Morgan also persuaded the N.C. General Assembly to establish a law enforcement training academy and to adopt standards for officers. He revamped the State Bureau of Investigation, which was then in the Justice Department.

In 2000, he became founding president of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization.

Morgan graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Law after earning his undergraduate degree from East Carolina University.

Roy Cooper, North Carolina’s current attorney general and Democratic candidate for governor, called Morgan a “devoted public servant.”

“Our state has been fortunate to have forward thinking leaders like Robert Morgan and we must all work to live up to his example,” Cooper said in a statement.

Morgan is survived by his wife and three children. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.