Terry Gene Kilgore (born August 23, 1961) is an American attorney and politician. A Republican, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1993, and became chair of the Commerce and Labor committee in 2008. He currently represents the45th districtin the far southwestern corner of the state, nearCumberland Gap.[update]

Early life and education

Kilgore graduated with a B.A. from the University of Virginia's College at Wise, previously named Clinch Valley College, and a J.D. from the College of William & Mary's School of Law.

Kilgore with Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin

Political career

Following the 2019 elections in which Republicans lost their majority in the Virginia House of Delegates, Kilgore sought the minority leader position. Republicans regained control of the House of Delegates in 2021.

Kilgore was elected as minority leader in June 2025.

Personal life

Kilgore's twin brother, Jerry, was Attorney General of Virginia 2002–2005, and was the unsuccessful Republican candidate for Governor of Virginia in 2005, losing to Tim Kaine. Kilgore's mother, Willie Mae Kilgore, was the registrar of voters in Kilgore's home jurisdiction, Scott County, until December 2008. He has two children.

Electoral history

DateElectionCandidatePartyVotes%
Virginia House of Delegates, 1st district
Nov 2, 1993GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican10,88257.13
George F. CridlinDemocratic8,16242.85
Write Ins30.02
Ford C. Quillen retired; seat switched from Democratic to Republican
Nov 7, 1995GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican13,90999.91
Write Ins120.09
Nov 4, 1997GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican12,13072.06
Jerry D. TaylorDemocratic4,70327.94
Nov 2, 1999GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican13,98399.91
Write Ins130.09
Nov 6, 2001GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican12,77799.87
Write Ins160.13
Nov 4, 2003GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican14,27999.91
Write Ins130.09
Nov 8, 2005GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican14,19468.74
Rex E. McCartyDemocratic6,44531.21
Write Ins90.04
Nov 6, 2007GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican14,37472.30
Jerry D. TaylorDemocratic5,49127.62
Write Ins140.07
Nov 3, 2009GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican13,09898.92
Write Ins1421.07
Nov 8, 2011GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican16,46598.64
Write Ins2261.35
Nov 5, 2013GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican14,33098.3
Write Ins2531.7
Nov 3, 2015GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican16,71698.4
Write Ins2711.6
Nov 7, 2017GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican14,84876
Alicia D. KallenDemocratic4,63923.8
Write Ins420.2
Nov 5, 2019GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican16,74796.41
Write Ins6233.59
Nov 2, 2021GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican21,91097.3
Write Ins6022.7
Virginia House of Delegates, 45th district
Nov 7, 2023GeneralTerry G. KilgoreRepublican14,81597.7
Write Ins3532.3

Notes

External links

  • . Richmond Sunlight.
Virginia House of Delegates
PrecededbyCharniele HerringMajority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates 2022–2024SucceededbyCharniele Herring
PrecededbyTodd GilbertMinority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates 2025–presentIncumbent