Gordon Helsel

Gordon Helsel
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 91st district
In office
March 9, 2011 – January 8, 2020
Preceded byThomas D. Gear
Succeeded byMartha Mugler
Mayor of Poquoson, Virginia
In office
1996–2011
Preceded byCornell Burcher
Succeeded byGene Hunt
Personal details
BornGordon Clair Helsel, Jr.
(1947-01-09) January 9, 1947
PartyRepublican
SpouseJoyce Ann Rasnick
ResidencePoquoson, Virginia
Alma materThomas Nelson Community College
CommitteesHealth Welfare and Institutions
Science and Technology
Websitewww.gordonhelsel.com
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1966–1971
Battles/warsVietnam War
Awards Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart (2)

Gordon Clair Helsel, Jr. (born January 9, 1947) is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and former mayor of Poquoson, Virginia. He represented the 91st district, which includes Poquoson and part of the neighboring city of Hampton. A retired businessman, Helsel previously served on the city council (1982–1990), as vice mayor (1990–1994), and as mayor (1996–2010) of Poquoson.[1]

Legislative positions

While serving as a member of the House of Delegates, Helsel's voting record angered many conservative Republicans, including his vote to expand Medicaid in Virginia,[2] and his vote to defeat the "Tebow Bill".[3] He retired before facing a primary challenger in 2019.

References

  1. ^ "Biography". Virginia House of Delegates. Archived from the original on June 4, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  2. ^ "AARP States - How The Virginia House of Delegates Voted on Medicaid Expansion". AARP States. June 4, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
  3. ^ "Virginia 'Tebow bill' defeated by education committee". WSET. Associated Press. January 30, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.