John Edwards
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John Edwards (Democratic Party) is a member of the Virginia State Senate, representing District 21. He assumed office in 1996. His current term ends on January 10, 2024.
Edwards (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Virginia State Senate to represent District 21. He won in the general election on November 5, 2019.
Biography[edit]
Edwards attended Patrick Henry High School. He received a A.B. at Princeton University in 1966 and attended Union Theological Seminary on a Rockefeller Brothers Theological Fellowship in New York in 1962. Edwards also received a J.D. at University of Virginia Law School in 1970. His professional experience includes working as an attorney. Edwards served in the United States Marine Corps as a Captain from 1971 to 1973.
Committee assignments[edit]
This membership information was last updated in March 2021. Ballotpedia completes yearly updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2020-2021
Edwards was assigned to the following committees:
2019-2020
Edwards was assigned to the following committees:
2016 legislative session[edit]
At the beginning of the 2016 legislative session, Edwards served on the following committees:
2015 legislative session[edit]
In the 2015 legislative session, Edwards served on the following committees:
2014 legislative session[edit]
In the 2014 legislative session, Edwards served on the following committees:
2012-2013[edit]
In the 2012-2013 legislative session, Edwards served on the following committees:
2010-2011[edit]
In the 2010-2011 legislative session, Edwards served on the following committees:
The following table lists bills sponsored by this legislator. Bills are monitored by BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills sponsored by this person, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections[edit]
See also: Virginia State Senate elections, 2019
General election
- See also: Virginia State Senate elections, 2015
Elections for the Virginia State Senate took place in 2015. A primary election was held on June 9, 2015. The general election took place on November 3, 2015. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 26, 2015.[1] Incumbent John S. Edwards was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Nancy Dye was unopposed in the Republican primary. Donald Caldwell (Independent) ran as a third party candidate. Edwards defeated Dye and Caldwell in the general election.[2]
Race snapshot[edit]
In the only state Senate district in Southwest Virginia still held by a Democrat, Sen. Edwards fended off two challengers this general election. When Edwards was first elected to the chamber in 1995, four out of the six senators elected to the chamber from Southwest Virginia were Democrats.[3] Because of this trend, Republican groups targeted District 21 as a seat up for grabs. David "Mudcat" Saunders, a Democratic strategist, said on the trend that, "In the far end of the county, you can’t find a Democrat with a search warrant."[3] Edwards won re-election to the district in 2011 by a margin of victory of 12 percent. Edwards' opponents in the election were Republican Nancy Dye, a retired surgeon, and Independent Donald Caldwell, a long-time Democrat, and the longest serving commonwealth’s attorney in Roanoke.[3] Bob Denton, a political analyst and head of Virginia Tech’s communications department, said that Caldwell's candidacy could boost Dye's campaign and provide the GOP with a potential upset.[4]
According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Dye raised $541,545, Edwards raised $478,662 and Caldwell raised $61,518 through September. In September, the Republican State Leadership Committee gave Dye a $90,000 check and the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus gave her campaign more than $66,000. Gov. Terry McAuliffe's PAC poured $52,500 into Edwards' campaign in September.[5] As of September 30, 2015, Dye had the lead in the cash-on-hand battle. According to campaign finance reports, Dye had $157,479 in cash-on-hand, while Edwards had $138,848 and Caldwell had $35,280.[6]
- See also: Virginia State Senate elections, 2011
On November 8, 2011, Edwards won re-election to District 21 of the Virginia State Senate. He defeated David Nutter (R) in the November 8 general election.[7]
Virginia State Senate, District 21 General Election, 2011 |
Party |
Candidate |
Vote % |
Votes |
|
Democratic |
John Edwards |
56% |
21,259 |
|
Republican |
David Nutter |
44% |
16,728 |
Total Votes |
37,987 |
- See also: Virginia State Senate elections, 2007
On Nov. 6, 2007, Edwards won re-election to the 21st District Seat in the Virginia State Senate.[8]
Edwards raised $123,889 for his campaign.[9]
Virginia State Senate, District 21 (2007)
|
Candidates
|
Votes
|
Percent
|
John Edwards)
|
22,282
|
98.16%
|
Write-in
|
416
|
1.83%
|
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
John Edwards did not complete Ballotpedia's 2019 Candidate Connection survey.
Edwards' campaign website highlighted the following issues:[10]
Improving Transportation
- Excerpt: "Infrastructure is the lifeblood of our economy and vital to ensuring we all get home safely each day. We need to continue to invest in improvements to provide the safest roads in the nation."
Increasing Access to the Ballot Box
- Excerpt: "Edwards will keep working to ensure all Virginians age 65 and older can vote absentee without having to provide a reason or excuse. Edwards believes voting should be made more convenient, and not more burdensome."
Fighting the Pipeline
- Excerpt: "Edwards has voiced opposition to plans to build the Mountain Valley Pipeline through our mountains and neighborhoods on both environmental and safety grounds."
Medicaid Health Care Expansion
- Excerpt: "Accepting the Medicaid dollars we have already sent to Washington will grow our economy, create 30,000 new jobs, and provide up to 400,000 Virginians the health care they need."
Campaign donors[edit]
In 2011, Edwards received $691,261 in campaign donations. The top contributors are listed below.[11]
Virginia State Senate 2011 election - Campaign Contributions |
Top contributors to John Edwards (Virginia)'s campaign in 2011 |
Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus | 245,000 |
Virginia Democratic Party | 50,361 |
Dabney, Tom & Karen | 25,000 |
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters | 12,000 |
Saslaw For Senate | 10,000 |
Total Raised in 2011 |
691261 |
Below are Edwards' top five campaign contributors in the 2007 election:
Contributor
|
2007 total
|
Karen K. Dabney
|
$5,000
|
David & Mary Ann Wine
|
$4,200
|
Virginia Bankers Association
|
$4,000
|
Dominion (Energy & Natural Resources)
|
$3,500
|
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
|
$3,000
|
Scorecards[edit]
- See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Virginia
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Virginia scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2021
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 13 to February 8.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills the organization chose to evaluate.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
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2020
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Virginia State Legislature was in session from January 8 to March 12. A special session was held from August 18 to November 9.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the climate and energy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
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2019
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 9 through February 24.
- Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the climate and energy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
- Legislators are scored based on legislation related to business and industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation House and Senate
- Legislators are scored based on their votes toward various bills supported by the organization
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2018
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 10 through March 10. Special sessions were held from April 11 to May 30 and from August 30 to October 30.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored on their voting record related to The Middle Resolution's priorities.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the climate and energy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
- Legislators are scored based on legislation related to business and industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation House and Senate
- Legislators are scored based on their votes toward various bills supported by the organization
|
2017
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 11 through February 25.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the climate and energy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
- Legislators are scored based on legislation related to business and industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation House and Senate
- Legislators are scored based on their votes toward various bills supported by the organization
|
2016
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 13 through March 11.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on business and quality of life issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues during the 2016-2017 legislative session.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the climate and energy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
- Legislators are scored based on legislation related to business and industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on 11 bills chosen by the Virginia Tea Party Patriots.
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2015
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 14 to February 28, 2015.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on business and quality of life issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues during the 2014-2015 legislative session.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the climate and energy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
- Legislators are scored based on legislation related to business and industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on 16 bills chosen by the Virginia Tea Party Patriots.
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2014
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
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In 2014, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 8 through March 10.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on business and quality of life issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues during the 2014-2015 legislative session.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the climate and energy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to education.
- Legislators are scored based on legislation related to business and industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills that VMA introduced or was part of a coalition that introduced it.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on ten bills chosen by the Virginia Tea Party Patriots.
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2013
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Virginia General Assembly was in session from January 9 to February 25.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on the issue of equality.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the Second Amendment.
- Legislators are scored based on legislation related to business and industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on fifteen bills chosen by the Virginia Tea Party Patriots.
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2012
To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
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In 2012, the Virginia General Assembly was in regular session from January 11 to March 10.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on the issue of equality.
- Legislators are scored based on their voting record on reproductive issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- Legislators are scored by the Family Foundation on their votes on bills related to "principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government and religious liberty."
- Legislators are scored based on legislation related to business and industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental and conservation issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on twelve bills chosen by the Virginia Tea Party Patriots.
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Personal[edit]
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Edwards was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on October 6, 1943. Edwards is a member of the Lutheran Church (E.L.C.A.).
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
- ↑ Virginia State Board of Elections, "2015 November Election Calendar," accessed January 2, 2015
- ↑ Virginia Board of Elections, "2015 General election candidates," accessed August 21, 2015
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 The Washington Post, "Defending one of rural Virginia’s last bits of blue," accessed October 22, 2015
- ↑ roanoke.com, "Don Caldwell enters race against John Edwards, Nancy Dye for Senate," accessed June 18, 2015
- ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Republican groups send cash surge into Nancy Dye's bid to unseat John Edwards," accessed October 22, 2015
- ↑ Virginia Public Access Project, "Cash on Hand," accessed October 22, 2015
- ↑ Virginia State Board of Elections, "November 2011 General Election Official Results," accessed May 15, 2014
- ↑ Virginia State Board of Elections, "November 6, 2007 General Election Official Results," accessed May 28, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money, "2007 Campaign contributions," accessed May 28, 2014
- ↑ John Edwards for Virginia Senate District 21, "Issues," accessed October 21, 2015
- ↑ Follow the Money, "2011 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 15, 2014
Leadership
Majority Leader:Thomas Norment
Senators
Democratic Party (21)
Republican Party (19)