Biography

A lifelong resident of Wilson, N.C., Congressman G. K. Butterfield represents North Carolina’s First Congressional District. His father was a well-respected dentist and elected official in Wilson, N.C., and his mother was a school teacher for 48 years.

Butterfield graduated from Charles H. Darden High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), in Durham, North Carolina. He later earned a Juris Doctorate degree from NCCU School of Law.

For nearly 14 years, Butterfield practiced law in Wilson, and was best known for his success with several eastern North Carolina voting rights lawsuits.

In 1988, Congressman Butterfield was elected Resident Superior Court Judge for North Carolina’s First Judicial Division. For the next twelve years, he presided over civil and criminal court in 46 counties.

In February 2001, Butterfield was appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court, before being reappointed the Superior Court bench in 2002.

After serving 15 years as a state judge, in 2004, Butterfield retired after being selected as the Democratic nominee in the special election to fill the unexpired term as U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s First Congressional District.  He was first elected on July 20, 2004, and continues to serve today.

In the 110th Congress, Butterfield became part of House leadership with an appointment as a Chief Deputy Whip. Chief Deputy Whips are responsible for helping to formulate policy and for ensuring the passage of legislation. He is the first Democrat from North Carolina to serve as a Chief Deputy Whip.

Butterfield serves on the powerful House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  He is vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, and is a member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet.  Additionally, he serves on the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

Butterfield is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army, and the proud father of two adult daughters, Valeisha and Lenai.