History of Virginia Foxx in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 4, 2025

Virginia Ann Foxx is a prominent Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 5th congressional district since 2005. Before entering politics, Foxx worked as an educator and businesswoman. Within the House of Representatives, she held the position of Secretary of the House Republican Conference from 2013 to 2017. A key focus of her political career has been education policy, leading to her roles as Chair and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. Her district covers a significant portion of northwest North Carolina, including much of Winston-Salem. As of January 2025, she became the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation.

June 29, 1943: Birth of Virginia Foxx

Virginia Ann Foxx (née Palmieri) was born on June 29, 1943.

1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which the Equality Act aimed to expand, prohibited discrimination.

1968: Graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill

Foxx graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in 1968.

1972: Master's Degree

Foxx earned a Master of Arts in college teaching from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1972.

1985: Doctorate Degree

Foxx earned an Ed.D from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1985.

1987: President of Mayland Community College

In 1987, Foxx became president of Mayland Community College, serving until 1994.

1994: Entry into Politics

Foxx entered politics in 1994.

2004: First Election to U.S. House

Foxx was first elected to the U.S. House in 2004, defeating Jim Harrell, Jr.

2004: End of North Carolina Senate Service

Foxx's service in the North Carolina Senate ended in 2004.

September 2005: Vote Against Hurricane Katrina Aid

In September 2005, Foxx voted against the $51 billion aid package for Hurricane Katrina victims.

2005: Election to U.S. House of Representatives

Foxx began serving as the U.S. representative from North Carolina's 5th congressional district in 2005.

2006: Re-election to U.S. House

Foxx was re-elected to the U.S. House in 2006, defeating Roger Sharpe.

2007: Comment on the Economy

In 2007, Foxx commented on the state of the economy.

2008: Re-election to U.S. House

In 2008, Foxx won re-election against Roy Carter.

2008: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 was relevant to Foxx's proposed bill.

April 2009: Opposition to Hate Crimes Prevention Act

In April 2009, Foxx expressed opposition to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, sparking controversy.

2010: Vote Against Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act

Foxx voted against the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act in 2010.

2010: Re-election to U.S. House

Foxx was reelected to the U.S. House in 2010.

January 2013: Co-sponsored Legislation on Citizenship

In January 2013, Foxx co-sponsored legislation to prevent children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents from gaining citizenship.

2013: Secretary of the House Republican Conference

Foxx served as Secretary of the House Republican Conference from 2013 to 2017.

2014: Stance on Abortion

In 2014, Foxx stated her opposition to abortion, including in cases of rape, incest, or the health of the mother.

2014: Re-election to U.S. House

In 2014, Foxx was re-elected, defeating Josh Brannon.

2015: Condemnation of Obergefell v. Hodges

Foxx condemned the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.

2016: Re-election to U.S. House

Foxx was re-elected to the U.S. House in 2016, again defeating Josh Brannon.

2017: Chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor

Foxx served as the chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor from 2017 to 2019 and since 2023.

2017: Introduction of Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act

In 2017, Foxx introduced the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act.

2018: Re-election to U.S. House

In 2018, Foxx was re-elected to the U.S. House, defeating DD Adams.

December 18, 2019: Vote Against Impeachment of Donald Trump

On December 18, 2019, Foxx voted against both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

2019: Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Labor

Foxx was the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Labor from 2019 to 2023.

2019: Opposition to the Equality Act

In 2019, Foxx strongly opposed the Equality Act.

September 2020: Investment in Altria

Starting in September 2020, Virginia Foxx made multiple investments in Altria, a major tobacco company.

December 2020: Vote Against MORE Act

In December 2020, Foxx voted against the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE).

December 2020: Amicus Brief Signing

In December 2020, Virginia Foxx signed an amicus brief supporting Texas v. Pennsylvania, a Supreme Court lawsuit disputing the 2020 presidential election results.

2020: Re-election to U.S. House

Foxx was re-elected in the 2020 general election, defeating David Brown.

2020: 2020 Presidential Election

In 2020, Virginia Foxx objected to the certification of the electoral votes, following the presidential election.

January 6, 2021: Objection to Electoral Vote Certification

On January 6, 2021, Virginia Foxx was among the 147 Republican lawmakers who challenged the certification of the 2020 presidential election's electoral votes.

January 2021: Storming of the Capitol

The storming of the Capitol in January 2021 led to increased security measures, such as metal detectors.

May 2021: Fine for Evading Metal Detectors

In May 2021, Foxx was fined for bypassing metal detectors outside the House chamber.

2021: Vote Against American Rescue Plan Act

Foxx voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

2021: Endorsement by Donald Trump

Foxx was endorsed by former President Donald Trump in 2021.

December 2022: Vote Against Respect for Marriage Act

In December 2022, Foxx voted against the Respect for Marriage Act.

2022: Re-election to U.S. House

Foxx was re-elected to the U.S. House in 2022, defeating Kyle Parrish.

October 2023: Incident with Reporter

In October 2023, Foxx told a reporter to "go away" and "shut up" when asked about Mike Johnson's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

2023: Chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor

In 2023 Foxx became the Chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor again.

January 2025: Dean of North Carolina's Congressional Delegation

In January 2025, Foxx became the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation.

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