Ben Chafin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Chafin
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| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 38th district |
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| In office September 18, 2014 – January 1, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Phillip Puckett |
| Succeeded by | Travis Hackworth |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 4th district |
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| In office January 8, 2014 – September 18, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph P. Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Todd Pillion |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Augustus Benton Chafin Jr.
May 18, 1960 Abingdon, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | January 1, 2021 (aged 60) Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Lora Lee Carr |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Teresa M. Chafin |
| Education | East Tennessee State University (BA) University of Richmond School of Law (JD) |
Augustus Benton Chafin Jr. (born May 18, 1960 – died January 1, 2021) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Chafin served in the Virginia House of Delegates in 2014. Later, he was a senator in the Senate of Virginia from 2014 until 2021.
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About Ben Chafin's Early Life and Education
Augustus Benton Chafin Jr. was born on May 18, 1960. His hometown was Abingdon, Virginia. His parents were Augustus Benton Chafin Sr. and Mary Miller. Ben Chafin was married to Lora Lee Carr for 38 years. They had three children together.
Chafin went to East Tennessee State University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree there in 1982. After that, he studied law at the University of Richmond School of Law. He earned his law degree there. His sister, Teresa M. Chafin, also became a judge. She was elected to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
In 1986, Ben Chafin started his own law business. It was called Chafin Law Firm and was in Lebanon, Virginia. He also helped his community in other ways. For 18 years, he advised the Russell County Industrial Development Authority. This group helps businesses grow in the area. He also served on the board of directors for First Bank and Trust. His father had helped to start this bank.
Ben Chafin's Political Career
Ben Chafin served in two important political roles in Virginia. He was first a delegate and then a state senator.
Serving in the Virginia House of Delegates
In 2013, Ben Chafin decided to run for office. He wanted to represent the 4th district in the Virginia House of Delegates. This is like a state-level parliament. The person who held the seat before him, Joseph P. Johnson, was retiring. Chafin ran as a Republican and won the election without anyone running against him. He served as a delegate for a short time in 2014.
Becoming a Virginia State Senator
Later in 2014, a special election was held for the Senate of Virginia. This happened because Senator Phillip Puckett resigned. Ben Chafin ran for this open seat in the 38th Senate district. He won the election against two other candidates. This was a big moment because he was the first Republican to win this district since 1971.
Chafin was re-elected to the Senate in 2015 and again in 2019. As a state senator, he worked on several important committees. These included committees for Education and Health, Judiciary (which deals with laws and courts), Privileges and Elections, and Rehabilitation and Social Services.
Ben Chafin's Death
In December 2020, Ben Chafin became very sick. He was hospitalized after getting COVID-19. Sadly, he passed away on January 1, 2021, due to problems from COVID-19. He died at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.
After his death, the Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, called for a special election. This election was to choose someone new to take Chafin's place in the Senate. Travis Hackworth, a Republican, won this election.
See also
In Spanish: Ben Chafin para niños
