Cathy Hudgins facts for kids

Catherine Agnes Martin Hudgins (February 27, 1944 – May 24, 2025) was an important American politician. She served on the Board of Supervisors for Fairfax County, Virginia, from 1999 to 2019. This board helps manage the county. She represented the Hunter Mill district, which includes areas like Reston and Vienna.

Catherine Hudgins was a member of the Democratic Party. She made history by becoming the first African American and the first person of color to be elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Catherine Hudgins' Political Journey

Catherine Hudgins had a long and active career in politics. She worked hard to serve her community.

Early Political Roles

• Starting in 1984, Hudgins served two terms on the Democratic National Committee. This is a group that helps guide the Democratic Party across the country.
• In 1993, she became the Secretary of the Fairfax County Electoral Board. This board helps manage elections in the county.
• From 1995, she worked as the Chief of Staff for Katherine Hanley. Hanley was the Chair of the Board of Supervisors at that time.

Joining the Board of Supervisors

• In November 1999, Catherine Hudgins was elected to the Board of Supervisors. This was a big win because she defeated the person who was already in office, Robert B. Dix, Jr.
• Her victory was helped because the votes for her opponent were split between him and another independent candidate.

Re-election Campaigns

• In 2003, Hudgins ran for re-election and won easily against her Republican opponent, J.D. "Doug" Bushee.
• She faced several independent candidates in 2007, including a former ambassador, Marie T. Huhtala. Hudgins won this election too.
• In her last two campaigns for re-election, in 2011 and 2015, no major opponents ran against her. This showed strong support for her work.

Retirement from Public Service

• In January 2019, Catherine Hudgins announced that she would not run for re-election.
• She retired from the Board of Supervisors later that year.
• Another Democrat, Walter L. Alcorn, took her place on the board.

About Catherine Hudgins' Life

Catherine Hudgins was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1944. She was married to Willie L. Hudgins, Jr. for 48 years.

Moving to Reston

• In 1969, the Hudgins family moved to Reston. They were among the first people to live in this new, planned community.
• Before her political career, Catherine Hudgins worked for twelve years at AT&T. She was a programmer, consultant, and analyst.
• Her husband, Willie Hudgins, was a lawyer. He worked for the Department of Justice.

Later Years and Passing

• In April 2013, Catherine Hudgins was diagnosed with breast cancer.
• She passed away on May 24, 2025, at the age of 81.