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
Born
Gordon Clair Helsel, Jr.

(1947-01-09) January 9, 1947 (age 77)
Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
Political 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.