Jill Upson facts for kids

Jill Upson is an American politician. She used to be a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 65th district. This district includes Jefferson County, West Virginia. Jill Upson made history as the first Black Republican woman to be elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Education and Learning

Jill Upson studied at Shepherd University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. This degree helps people learn how to manage businesses.

Political Career

Jill Upson first ran for a seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2012. She ran against the person who already held the position, Tiffany Lawrence. Upson did not win that election.

Winning a Seat

In 2014, Jill Upson ran against Tiffany Lawrence again. This time, Upson won the election. She received 56 percent of the votes, while Lawrence received 44 percent. A group called GOPAC, which helps Republican candidates, gave over $20,000 to Upson's campaign.

Re-election and Later Work

In 2016, Jill Upson ran for re-election and won again. She defeated her Democratic opponent, Sammi Brown. However, in the 2018 election, Sammi Brown won and Upson was not re-elected.

After leaving her role as a delegate, Jill Upson started a new job. She became the executive director of the West Virginia Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs. This office works to help minority groups in West Virginia.

Personal Life

Jill Upson is married to Kelvin Upson. Her husband served in the United States Navy, which is a branch of the U.S. military. Jill Upson has one son.