Government | Politics 2023: TERRY G. KILGORE

Republican Kilgore represents Virginians in the far southwest corner of the state, which is closer to eight other state capitals than it is to Richmond.

First elected in 1993, Kilgore became House majority leader after Republicans recaptured control of the chamber in the 2021 elections, and depending on this fall’s elections, he could remain majority leader.

He serves as vice chair of the powerful House Commerce and Energy Committee, an important post for a lawmaker representing coal country. He is bullish about building small modular nuclear reactors in his economically struggling region, and he is one of several state officials who launched InvestSWVA, a marketing campaign to attract business to the region.

Outside of his many legislative commission and committee appointments, Kilgore, a lawyer, serves as rector of the Appalachian School of Law.

PERSONAL MOTTO: I keep a sign at my desk on the House floor that displays just two words: Be Nice. Not only is it a short and sweet motto for life in general, but it also serves as a guiding principle when considering important issues that impact Virginians.

FIRST JOB: Working at a tobacco warehouse