Career Timeline of Jay Rockefeller: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jay Rockefeller, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

John Davison "Jay" Rockefeller IV is a retired American politician who served as a U.S. Senator for West Virginia from 1985 to 2015. Prior to his Senate career, Rockefeller served as the Governor of West Virginia from 1977 to 1985. His political career began with his work as a VISTA volunteer in Emmons, West Virginia, followed by his election to the West Virginia House of Delegates (1966-1968) and later as West Virginia's Secretary of State (1968-1973). He also served as president of West Virginia Wesleyan College (1973-1975). Upon the death of Senator Robert Byrd in 2010, Rockefeller became the state's senior U.S. Senator.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1959: Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller's Time as Governor of New York

From 1959, Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, Jay Rockefeller's uncle, served as Governor of New York.

1964: Joined VISTA

In 1964, Rockefeller continued his public service by joining Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and moved to Emmons, West Virginia.

1965: Continued service in VISTA

In 1965, Rockefeller continued his public service in VISTA, under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

1966: Elected to WV House of Delegates

In 1966, Rockefeller was elected as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates.

1966: Elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates

In 1966, Rockefeller was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, marking his entry into state politics.

1967: Winthrop Rockefeller's Time as Governor of Arkansas

From 1967, Winthrop Rockefeller, Jay Rockefeller's uncle, served as Governor of Arkansas.

1968: Secretary of State of West Virginia

In 1968, Rockefeller was elected as the Secretary of State of West Virginia.

1968: Elected WV Secretary of State

In 1968, Rockefeller was elected as the West Virginia Secretary of State, further advancing his political career.

1968: Offered Senate Seat

In the summer of 1968, after Robert Kennedy's assassination, Nelson Rockefeller offered him to take up the Senator's seat. He would ultimately refuse.

1972: Lost Gubernatorial Election

In 1972, Rockefeller secured the Democratic nomination for governor but was defeated in the general election by Arch A. Moore Jr.

1973: President of West Virginia Wesleyan College

In 1973, Rockefeller became the president of West Virginia Wesleyan College.

1974: Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller's Time as Vice President of the United States

From 1974, Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, Jay Rockefeller's uncle, served as Vice President of the United States.

1975: Served as president of West Virginia Wesleyan College

From 1973 to 1975, Rockefeller served as the president of West Virginia Wesleyan College.

1975: End of College Presidency

In 1975, Rockefeller concluded his service as the president of West Virginia Wesleyan College.

1976: Elected Governor of West Virginia

In 1976, Rockefeller was elected governor of West Virginia.

1977: Governor of West Virginia

In 1977, Rockefeller began his term as the governor of West Virginia, a role he held until 1985.

1980: Re-elected Governor of West Virginia

In 1980, Rockefeller was re-elected as the governor of West Virginia, securing a second term.

1980: Gubernatorial Campaign

In his 1980 gubernatorial campaign against Arch Moore, Rockefeller spent over $12 million to win a Senate seat.

1984: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1984, Rockefeller was elected to the United States Senate, marking a significant step in his political career.

January 1985: Start of Senate Service

From January 1985 to July 2014, Rockefeller served as a U.S. Senator, missing 541 of 9,992 roll call votes.

1985: Start of Senate Career

In 1985, Rockefeller began his service as a United States Senator from West Virginia, a position he held until 2015.

1990: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1990, Rockefeller was re-elected to the United States Senate, continuing his service in Congress.

April 1992: Considered Presidential Run

In April 1992, Rockefeller, then the Democratic Party's finance chairman, considered running for president but withdrew after consulting with advisors and endorsed Bill Clinton.

1993: Chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

From 1993 to 1995, Rockefeller served as the chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

1993: Supported Clinton's Health Care Reform

In 1993, Rockefeller became the principal Senate supporter, with Ted Kennedy, behind Bill and Hillary Clinton's sweeping health care reform package, liaising closely with the First Lady.

1995: Chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

From 1993 to 1995, Rockefeller served as the chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

1996: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1996, Rockefeller was re-elected to the United States Senate, marking another term in office.

1997: Rockefeller Co-Authors the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

In 1997, Rockefeller co-authored the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), aimed at providing health insurance coverage to low-income children, successfully covering about 6 million children annually.

1999: Rockefeller Family Founds the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (BRNI)

In 1999, Rockefeller and his family founded the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (BRNI) in Morgantown to advance medical and scientific understanding of Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.

June 6, 2001: Chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

On June 6, 2001, Rockefeller became the chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

2002: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2002, Rockefeller secured another term as a United States Senator, demonstrating continued support from his constituents.

January 3, 2003: End of term as Chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

On January 3, 2003, Rockefeller's term as chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs ended.

August 2, 2007: Reauthorization of CHIP passes

On August 2, 2007, the vote for reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) passed legislation by a strong, bipartisan vote (68–31).

September 30, 2007: Children's Health Insurance Program Expires

On September 30, 2007, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired, requiring Congress to reauthorize the legislation.

2008: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2008, Rockefeller was re-elected to the United States Senate.

2008: State-of-the-Art BRNI Research Facility Opens at West Virginia University

In Fall 2008, a $30 million state-of-the-art BRNI research facility was opened at West Virginia University.

January 2009: Retired from Senate Intelligence Committee

In January 2009, Rockefeller retired as chair from the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he frequently commented on the war in Iraq.

April 1, 2009: Rockefeller Introduces the Cybersecurity Act of 2009

On April 1, 2009, Rockefeller introduced the Cybersecurity Act of 2009 (S.773) before Congress, aiming to enhance Internet security against cyber-attacks by creating a public-private threat information clearinghouse within the Department of Commerce.

September 29, 2009: Rockefeller Offers Amendment to Baucus Health Bill to Add Public Option

On September 29, 2009, Rockefeller proposed an amendment to the Baucus Health Bill in the Senate Finance Committee to incorporate a public option; however, the amendment was turned down with a vote of 15 to 8.

December 2009: Rockefeller Voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

In December 2009, Rockefeller voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

2009: Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

In 2009, Rockefeller became the chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

June 2010: Became Senior Senator

In June 2010, Rockefeller became the senior U.S. Senator from West Virginia following the death of Robert Byrd.

June 2010: Senior Senator after Byrd's Death

In June 2010, Rockefeller became the senior U.S. senator from West Virginia when Robert Byrd died, after serving in the senate with Rockefeller for 25 years.

2010: Rockefeller Voted for the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act

In 2010, Rockefeller voted for the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act.

June 1, 2011: Rockefeller Sponsors West Virginia Homeland Security Summit and Expo

On June 1, 2011, Rockefeller sponsored the fourth West Virginia Homeland Security Summit and Expo. The event, focused on homeland security, with Rockefeller emphasizing cybersecurity.