Cathy Hudgins facts for kids

Catherine Agness Martin Hudgins (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 make big decisions for the county, like building roads and schools.

Catherine Hudgins represented the Hunter Mill district. This area includes towns like Reston and Vienna. She was a member of the Democratic Party. She made history as the first African American and non-white person elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Catherine Hudgins's Political Journey

Catherine Hudgins had a long and active political career. She started by serving on the Democratic National Committee. This is a group that helps guide the Democratic Party across the country. She was a national committeewoman for two terms, starting in 1984.

Early Roles in Fairfax County

In 1993, Catherine Hudgins was chosen for an important role. She became the Secretary of the Fairfax County Electoral Board. This board helps manage elections in the county. She worked there until 1994.

After that, in 1995, she became the Chief of Staff for Katherine Hanley. Katherine Hanley was the Chair of the Board of Supervisors at the time. Being a Chief of Staff means you help lead and organize the main office.

Joining the Board of Supervisors

Catherine Hudgins was elected to the Board of Supervisors in November 1999. This was a big surprise win. She beat the person who was already in office, Robert B. Dix, Jr. Another candidate also ran, which helped split the votes.

She continued to win her elections. In 2003, she won against J.D. "Doug" Bushee with a large number of votes.

Later Elections and Retirement

In 2007, Catherine Hudgins faced several independent candidates. One of them was Marie T. Huhtala, who had been an ambassador to Malaysia. A big topic during that election was how much new building should happen in the Hunter Mill district. People were talking about new homes and apartments.

In her last two elections, Catherine Hudgins ran without anyone running against her. This showed how much support she had. In January 2019, she announced that she would not run for office again. She retired from the Board of Supervisors. Another Democrat, Walter L. Alcorn, took her place.

About Catherine Hudgins's 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, Virginia. They were some of the first people to live in this new, planned community.

Before her political career, Catherine Hudgins worked for AT&T. She was a programmer, consultant, and analyst for twelve years. This means she helped design and fix computer systems. Her husband, Willie Hudgins, was a lawyer. He worked for the Department of Justice.

Catherine Hudgins passed away on May 24, 2025.