George Kenneth Butterfield Jr. (born April 27, 1947) is an American lawyer and politician who served as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 1st congressional district from 2004 to 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected in a special election after the resignation of Frank Ballance.
G. K. Butterfield | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2019 | |
| House Democratic Senior Chief Deputy Whip | |
| In office January 3, 2021 – December 30, 2022 | |
| Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | John Lewis |
| Succeeded by | Jan Schakowsky |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 1st district | |
| In office July 20, 2004 – December 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Frank Ballance |
| Succeeded by | Don Davis |
| Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus | |
| In office January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Marcia Fudge |
| Succeeded by | Cedric Richmond |
| Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court | |
| In office February 5, 2001 – January 1, 2003 | |
| Appointed by | Mike Easley |
| Preceded by | I. Beverly Lake Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Edward Thomas Brady |
| Personal details | |
| Born | George Kenneth Butterfield Jr. April 27, 1947 Wilson, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | North Carolina Central University (BA, JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1968–1970 |
| Rank | Specialist |
His district was in the state's northeastern corner, which included all or parts of 19 counties. A longtime advocate of civil rights, Butterfield was appointed an associate justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court by Governor Mike Easley in 2001, retaining the position until 2003. He was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and served as its chair from 2015 to 2017.
In November 2021, Butterfield announced that he would not run for re-election in 2022.[1]
On December 30, 2022, Butterfield resigned from his position to take up a lobbying position.[2]
Early life and education
editG. K. Butterfield was born and raised in the then segregated city of Wilson, North Carolina. Butterfield came from a prominent black family with a long history in North Carolina. Both of Butterfield's parents were mixed-race Americans.[3] His maternal grandfather, Rev Fred Davis, was a child of a former slave (Judah Davis) and a white man (Joe Davis).[4] His mother, Addie, taught elementary school for 48 years in some of North Carolina's poorest communities. She was keenly focused on ensuring that her students learned to read.[5] Butterfield's father, G. K. Butterfield Sr., was an immigrant from Bermuda.[6] As a graduate of Meharry Medical College, he practiced dentistry for 50 years in the poor, segregated community of East Wilson. In the late 1940s, he helped found the Wilson Branch of the NAACP in order to register black voters in the county. In 1953, he became the first African American elected to the city council in Wilson and the first black elected official in eastern North Carolina since Reconstruction.[5]
Butterfield graduated from Charles H. Darden High School in Wilson.[5] He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in political science and sociology from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a historically black university.[7] During his time at NCCU, Butterfield was active in voter registration activism, including coordinating voter registration drives in Durham and organizing a student march from the State Capitol in Raleigh to the Wilson County Courthouse to draw attention to the importance of voter registration. After completing his bachelor's degree, Butterfield attended the NCCU School of Law, receiving a Juris Doctor degree in 1974.[7]
During his junior year at NCCU, Butterfield was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Fort Bragg Army installation in Fayetteville.[5] He served from 1968 to 1970[8] and was honorably discharged, and he returned to NCCU to complete his undergraduate degree.[5]
In describing his racial identity as a black man, he has pointed to his African heritage, as a direct descendant of enslaved people.[9] He grew up in racially segregated North Carolina, living in "East Wilson", where he attended black schools. He spent his childhood as a firsthand witness to the disenfranchisement of his black community originating as part of a targeted campaign to remove his father from the Board of Aldermen.[4] He is the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.[10][11]
Judicial career
editAfter completing law school, Butterfield began a 14-year legal career as a civil rights attorney, practicing across eastern North Carolina. During this time, he developed his reputation, winning several voting-rights cases.[5]
In 1988, Butterfield was elected Resident Superior Court judge in judicial district 7BC. Beginning on January 1, 1989, and for the next 12 years, he presided over civil and criminal court in 46 North Carolina counties.[7] In February 2001, Governor Mike Easley appointed him to the North Carolina Supreme Court.[7] In 2002, Butterfield lost his seat on the Supreme Court, but he returned to the Superior Court bench by special appointment of Governor Easley. He served in that position until his retirement in May 2004 to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.[7]
Political career
editButterfield was first elected to the House of Representatives in a special election on July 20, 2004,[12] to fill the seat of Frank Ballance, who had resigned after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering.[13] He assumed office on July 21, 2004.[14]
U.S. House of Representatives
editElections
edit2004 special
editButterfield was elected to Congress in a special election on July 20, 2004, to fill the unexpired term of Representative Frank Ballance, who had resigned for health reasons. He defeated Republican nominee Greg Dority and Libertarian Party nominee Tom Eisenmenger. Butterfield was sworn into office on July 21, 2004.
On July 20, 2004, Butterfield won the Democratic primary, entitling him to run in the November general election. Running against Dority again, he won his first full term with 64% of the popular vote.[15][16]
2006
editButterfield was unopposed for reelection in 2006.
2008
editButterfield defeated Dean Stephens with 70.28% of the vote.[17]
2010
editButterfield defeated Republican nominee Ashley Woolard with 59.31% of the vote.[18]
2012
edit_(cropped2).jpg)
Butterfield defeated Republican Pete DiLauro with 75.32% of the vote.[19]
2014
editButterfield defeated Republican Arthur Rich with 73.38% of the vote.[20]
2016
editButterfield defeated Republican H. Powell Dew Jr. with 68.62% of the vote.[21]
2018
editButterfield defeated Republican Roger W. Allison with 69.85% of the vote.[22]
2020
editButterfield defeated Republican Sandy Smith with 54.18% of the vote.[23]
Committee assignments
editCaucus memberships
edit- Congressional Black Caucus (first vice chair for the 113th United States Congress; chair for the 114th United States Congress)[24]
- United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus[25]
- Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus
- Congressional Out-of-Poverty Caucus
Butterfield served on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and formerly served on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee. He was the Region VIII representative on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
Beginning in 2007, in the 110th Congress, Butterfield was chosen to serve as one of eight Chief Deputy Whips for the House Democratic Caucus. Chief Deputy Whips assist in the formulation of Democratic policy and ensure the passage of legislation by maintaining good communication with members. He was appointed to this position by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.[7]
Political positions
editAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Butterfield advocated for the American Clean Energy and Security Act.[26] He supports "a market-based approach to capping carbon emissions"[27] and wants to broaden the United States' sources of energy.[28] On his website, Butterfield stresses the need to find more clean and domestic sources of energy.[27]
A strong supporter of civil rights, Butterfield advocated renewal of the Voting Rights Act and "introduced a bill calling for the Capitol Visitor's Center to acknowledge the slave labor used to build the Capitol."[29]
Originally endorsing John Edwards for the 2008 Democratic Party presidential nomination,[30] Butterfield endorsed Barack Obama in January 2008.[31]
In 2009, Butterfield introduced the Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite Act "to assist states in carrying out inspections of lodging facilities, train inspection personnel, contract with a commercial exterminator; educate owners and staff at lodging facilities."[32] He also passed H.R. 4252 "[t]o amend the Small Business Act to change the net worth amount under the small business program for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals from $750,000 to $978,722, and for other purposes."[33]
Butterfield supported the Affordable Care Act, and worked with the Energy and Commerce Committee to help write the legislation.[34] During the discussion of the bill in Congress, he complained about the lack of cooperation from Republicans.[34]
Butterfield supports increasing taxes for higher-income families while decreasing taxes for middle- and low-income families.[34] Although he is an advocate for using government stimulus in order to improve the economy, he wants to reduce government regulations on the private sector.[34]
In 2008, Planned Parenthood gave Butterfield an 80% rating. In 2009, Butterfield supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 100% of the time.[34] He identifies as pro-choice on abortion, and especially supports legalized abortion when the life of the woman is in danger or if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.[34] He called the day that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade a "sad day".[35]
Butterfield has repeatedly voted against defining marriage as being between one man and one woman, voting against the Marriage Protection Act of 2004 and constitutional marriage amendments in 2004 and 2006. He has voted to ban job discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 2010 voted for the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.[36]
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Butterfield voted in 2008 against the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) $700 billion bailout of the financial industry and the $14 billion rescue package for the auto industry.[37]
In 2011, he voted to extend expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act[38] and in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012.[39]
In 2012, Butterfield introduced legislation that would require more input from the public before tolls are introduced on roads. The legislation was in response to the "No toll on I-95" group, a Roanoke Rapids-based group that opposes instating a toll on I-95. Opponents of the toll argue that it leads to double taxation, and say it is the first time that "the federal government has put tolls on an existing interstate."[40]
In April 2012, Butterfield accompanied Obama to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to speak about extending the interest rates on federal loan programs for many undergraduate students. Butterfield expressed concern with the pending expiration, saying: "Allowing the current interest rates to expire would burden students with additional debt, prolong their ability to kick start their careers, and send the message that it is more important to cut taxes for the wealthy than educational expenses for our young people."[41]
On July 23, 2014, Butterfield introduced House Joint Resolution 120, approving the location of a memorial to commemorate the more than 5,000 slaves and free black persons who fought for independence in the American Revolution.[42][43]
As of 2022, Butterfield has voted with President Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight.[44]
Personal life
editButterfield is married to Dr. Sylvia Chester Butterfield. He and his former wife, Jean Farmer-Butterfield (1971–1991), are the parents of Valeisha Butterfield Jones and Jenetta Lenai Butterfield. He is also the father of Tunya Butterfield Smith. His four grandsons are Dahntay Jones Jr., Dillon Jones, Chase Smith, and Gavin Smith. Butterfield is a lifelong member of Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina, where he has served as Trustee and Chairman of the Finance Ministry.[7] He also serves on the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Central University School of Law and as a Trustee of Gallaudet University.[5] He is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Gamma Sigma Chapter and a member of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Incorporated.[45] In 2017, the City of Greenville named its new transit center, the G.K. Butterfield Transportation Center, in his honor.[46] In 2024, a segment of Interstate 95 and the Wilson train station were also named in his honor.[47][48]
Electoral history
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Edward Thomas Brady | 1,159,476 | 53.88% | |
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 992,603 | 46.12% | |
| Total votes | 2,152,079 | 100% | ||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield | 137,667 | 63.98 | |
| Republican | Greg Dority | 77,508 | 36.02 | |
| Total votes | 215,175 | 100 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 82,510 | 100 | |
| Total votes | 82,510 | 100 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 192,765 | 70.28 | |
| Republican | Dean Stephens | 81,506 | 29.72 | |
| Total votes | 274,271 | 100 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 103,294 | 59.31 | |
| Republican | Ashley Woolard | 70,867 | 40.69 | |
| Total votes | 174,161 | 100 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 254,644 | 75.32 | |
| Republican | Pete DiLauro | 77,288 | 22.86 | |
| Libertarian | Darryl Holloman | 6,134 | 1.81 | |
| Total votes | 338,066 | 99.9 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 154,333 | 73.38 | |
| Republican | Arthur Rich | 55,990 | 26.62 | |
| Total votes | 210,323 | 100 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 240,661 | 68.62 | |
| Republican | H. Powell Dew Jr. | 101,567 | 28.96 | |
| Libertarian | Joseph John Summerell | 8,259 | 2.4 | |
| Total votes | 346,830 | 99.98 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 190,457 | 69.9 | |
| Republican | Roger Allison | 82,218 | 30.2 | |
| Total votes | 272,675 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) | 188,870 | 54.2 | |
| Republican | Sandy Smith | 159,758 | 45.8 | |
| Total votes | 348,618 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Shepard, Steven; Everett, Burgess (November 17, 2021). "Another blow to Dems' House hopes: Butterfield retiring in N.C." Politico. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
- ^ Brooks, Emily (December 30, 2022). "Butterfield resigns from Congress ahead of starting lobbying job". The Hill. Archived from the original on December 30, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
- ^ "g k butterfield". Retrieved April 3, 2017.
- ^ a b Flint, Matthew. "Hackney Library: Crossing the Tracks: An Oral History of East and West Wilson, North Carolina: Congressman G. K. Butterfield". barton.libguides.com. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Full Biography". Representative G. K. Butterfield. May 17, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- ^ "CSCE :: Testimony :: Hon. G.K. Butterfield Commissioner - Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe". Csce.gov. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g "About GK". United States House of Representatives. Archived from the original on July 30, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2008.
- ^ BUTTERFIELD, George Kenneth, Jr. (G.K.), (1947 - ) Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- ^ AP, "Many insisting that Obama is not black", Huffington Post, December 14, 2008, accessed April 4, 2013
- ^ "Committees & Caucuses". August 8, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
- ^ "Membership". Congressional Black Caucus. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
- ^ "Short Biography". Representative G. K. Butterfield. February 1, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ WRAL (May 7, 2004). "Frank Ballance Resigns Candidacy, Cites Health Concerns". WRAL.com. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ "G.K. Butterfield". The Washington Times. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ William L. Holmes (July 21, 2004). "Butterfield Wins Special Election; Will Face Dority in November". Associated Press.
- ^ Cindy George (July 21, 2004). "Former Justice Wins 1st District; Butterfield Fills Ballance's Seat". News and Observer. p. A16.
- ^ "North Carolina Election Results 2008". New York Times. Retrieved November 6, 2008.
- ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2010". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2012". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2014". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2016". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2018". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2020". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "Butterfield elected to Congressional Black Caucus". The Daily Reflector. November 16, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
- ^ "Our Members". U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
- ^ Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) (June 15, 2009). "Poorest Americans, contributing least to climate change, will not be hurt by legislation to rectify". The Hill.
- ^ a b "Energy & Global Climate Change". Congressman G.K. Butterfield Official Website. Archived from the original on December 10, 2010.
- ^ Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) (June 15, 2010). "Hearing with oil executives underscores need for energy overhaul". The Hill.
- ^ "G.K. Butterfield, (D-N.C.)", Politics, Washington Post, December 23, 2011, accessed April 4, 2013.
- ^ Beckwith, Ryan Teague (January 11, 2008). "Butterfield now endorses Obama". The News & Observer. Raleigh, North Carolina. Archived from the original on May 24, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
- ^ Boyer, Robert (October 12, 2008). "Hunt among state Dems stumping for Obama". Times-News. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008.
- ^ "StackPath".
- ^ G., Butterfield (December 9, 2009). "Text - H.R.4253 - 111th Congress (2009-2010): To amend the Small Business Act to change the net worth amount under the small business program for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals from $750,000 to $978,722, and for other purposes". thomas.loc.gov. Archived from the original on July 3, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f "The Voter's Self Defense System". Retrieved April 3, 2017.
- ^ Butterfield, G. K. ""Today is a sad day in American jurisprudence."". Twitter. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "G.K. Butterfield - Gay Marriage". The Political Guide. April 3, 2021.
- ^ "Democrat George Kenneth 'G.K.' Butterfield, Jr". Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
- ^ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 36". clerk.house.gov. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. February 14, 2011. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
- ^ "HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Voting Record". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
- ^ "Butterfield to announce tolling bill". Chicago Tribune. May 4, 2012.
- ^ Johnston, Bill (April 24, 2012). "Butterfield to Join President Obama at Chapel Hill Speech Today". Goldsboro Daily News. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
- ^ "H.J.Res. 120 - All Actions". United States Congress. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
- ^ Marcos, Cristina (September 8, 2014). "House authorizes location for American Revolution memorial in D.C." The Hill. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
- ^ Bycoffe, Anna Wiederkehr and Aaron (April 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
- ^ Davis, Edmond (August 30, 2011). "Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship (1962- )". BlackPast.org. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
- ^ "City to name transportation center for Butterfield". The Daily Reflector. Greenville, NC. November 28, 2017. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
- ^ Reese, Brian (October 23, 2024). "Stretch of I-95 named in honor of former NC Congressman GK Butterfield". Portsmouth, VA: WAVY-TV. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
- ^ Wilson, Drew C. (October 24, 2024). "Train station named for Butterfield". The Wilson Times. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
- ^ "11/05/2002 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
- ^ "11/02/2004 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 12, 2004. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "11/07/2006 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 17, 2006. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "11/04/2008 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 14, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "11/02/2010 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 12, 2010. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "11/06/2012 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 16, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "11/04/2014 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 25, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "11/06/2016 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. December 13, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "District 1, North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement". Retrieved November 10, 2018.
- ^ "District 1, North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement". Retrieved January 5, 2021.
External links
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