History of Donald McEachin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2024

Aston Donald McEachin was a lawyer and politician from the United States. From 2017 until his passing in 2022, he represented Virginia's 4th congressional district in the US House of Representatives. His district encompassed a large portion of the region between Richmond, including some of its suburbs, and Hampton Roads, and was headquartered in the state capital.

October 10, 1961: Birth of Donald McEachin

Donald McEachin was born in Nuremberg, West Germany on October 10, 1961.

1982: Bachelor's Degree from American University

Donald McEachin earned a bachelor's degree in political history from American University in 1982.

1984: Acquaintance with Tim Kaine

Donald McEachin and Tim Kaine's acquaintance dates back to 1984.

1986: Law Degree from University of Virginia

Donald McEachin received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1986.

1995: First Election to Virginia House of Delegates

Donald McEachin was first elected to the House of Delegates from the 74th district in 1995.

1996: Start of Service in Virginia House of Delegates

Donald McEachin began his service in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1996.

2001: Democratic Nominee for Virginia Attorney General

Donald McEachin became the Democratic nominee in the 2001 Virginia Attorney General election but lost to Jerry Kilgore.

2002: End of First Term in Virginia House of Delegates

Donald McEachin completed his first term in the Virginia House of Delegates in 2002.

2005: Re-election to the 74th House District

In 2005, Donald McEachin won the election for the 74th House District with 75% of the vote, defeating his predecessor, Floyd Miles, in the Democratic primary.

2006: Return to Virginia House of Delegates

Donald McEachin returned to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2006 for an additional term.

2006: Criticism of Benjamin Lambert's Endorsement

In 2006, incumbent state senator Benjamin Lambert faced criticism within the Democratic Party for endorsing Republican U.S. Senator George Allen in his unsuccessful reelection campaign against Jim Webb.

2007: Successful State Senate Campaign

Donald McEachin challenged and defeated incumbent Benjamin Lambert in the 2007 state senate election for the 9th district, securing 81% of the vote against independent Silver Persinger in the general election.

2008: Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University

In 2008, Donald McEachin was awarded a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University.

2008: Election to Virginia State Senate

In 2008, Donald McEachin was elected to the Senate of Virginia, representing the 9th district.

2011: Unopposed Reelection to State Senate

Donald McEachin ran unopposed for reelection to the state senate in 2011.

2012: Honorary Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa

Donald McEachin was granted honoris causa membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, in 2012.

2014: Battle with Colorectal Cancer

Donald McEachin underwent treatment for colorectal cancer in 2014.

August 25, 2015: Ashley Madison Data Breach

On August 25, 2015, Donald McEachin's name was included in the user list leaked from the Ashley Madison website data breach. McEachin declined to comment further, stating it was a private family matter.

2016: Candidacy for U.S. House of Representatives

Donald McEachin ran for the open seat in Virginia's 4th congressional district in 2016, vacated by Randy Forbes.

2017: Election to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2017, Donald McEachin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Virginia's 4th congressional district.

2018: Disclosure of Health Challenges

In 2018, Donald McEachin publicly revealed his battle with a fistula, a consequence of his treatment for colorectal cancer in 2014. He used his experience to advocate for regular colon cancer screenings.

2019: Colette McEachin's Career Milestones

Colette McEachin, Donald McEachin's wife, became the interim Commonwealth's Attorney for Richmond in 2019. This followed her 20 years of service in the office, winning the Democratic nomination on August 10th, and running unopposed in the special election on November 5th.

November 28, 2022: Death of Donald McEachin

Donald McEachin passed away on November 28, 2022, at the age of 61 due to complications from cancer.

2022: Advocacy for Cancer Screening

Donald McEachin continued to advocate for early cancer detection and shared his story at a special screening of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" in 2022, urging people to prioritize their health.