BioCongressman G. K. Butterfield is a lifelong resident of Wilson, N.C., and has served the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina since 2004. His father was a well-respected dentist and elected official in Wilson, N.C., and his mother was a schoolteacher for 48 years.Congressman Butterfield graduated from Charles H. Darden High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), in Durham, North Carolina. He later earned a Juris Doctorate degree from NCCU School of Law. For 14 years, Congressman Butterfield practiced law in Wilson, and was best known for his success with several eastern North Carolina voting rights lawsuits. In 1988, Congressman Butterfield was elected Resident Superior Court Judge for North Carolina’s First Judicial Division. For the next 12 years, he presided over civil and criminal court in 46 counties. In February 2001, then-Judge Butterfield was appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court but was defeated in the November 2002 election. He was reappointed the Superior Court bench in 2002. After serving 15 years as a state judge, in 2004, Congressman Butterfield retired after being selected as the Democratic nominee in the special election to fill the unexpired term as U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s First Congressional District. He was first elected on July 20, 2004, and continues to serve today. In the 110th Congress, Congressman Butterfield became part of House leadership with an appointment as a Chief Deputy Whip. Chief Deputy Whips are responsible for helping to formulate policy and for ensuring the passage of legislation. He is the first Democrat from North Carolina to serve as a Chief Deputy Whip. Congressman Butterfield serves on the powerful House Committee on Energy and Commerce. He serves as the Ranking Democrat of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. The subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes interstate and foreign commerce, including all trade matters within the jurisdiction of the full committee; regulation of commercial practices, including sports-related matters; consumer affairs, consumer protection, consumer product safety and product liability; motor vehicle safety; and regulation of travel and tourism. Congressman Butterfield served as the vice chairman of the Energy Subcommittee in the 111th Congress and now serves as a member of the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy. Congressman Butterfield is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army, and the father of three adult daughters.
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