Morgan Griffith has been representing Virginia’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House since 2011. Throughout his time in Congress, he has shown a real dedication to the people of Southwest Virginia. This profile takes a closer look at his recent election wins, career journey, legislative efforts, policy views, the makeup of his district, and what he’s been saying publicly.
2024 Election Victory
In the 2024 general election, Congressman Griffith secured his eighth term by defeating Democratic challenger Karen Baker. He received approximately 72.5% of the vote, underscoring his continued strong support within the district. Baker conceded the race on election night, acknowledging Griffith’s decisive win and urging him to focus on local economic issues.
Career Path to Congress
Before his tenure in Congress, Griffith built a substantial career in Virginia’s state legislature:
- Virginia House of Delegates: Griffith represented the 8th District from 1994 to 2011. During this period, he held significant leadership roles, including serving as the House Majority Leader.
- 2010 Congressional Run: Motivated by opposition to incumbent Rick Boucher’s vote on the cap-and-trade bill, Griffith challenged and defeated the 14-term Democrat in the 2010 election. Notably, at that time, Griffith resided just outside the 9th District’s boundaries, but his state legislative district overlapped significantly with the congressional district.
Sponsored Legislation
Throughout his congressional service, Griffith has sponsored a variety of bills reflecting his policy priorities:
- BROADBAND Leadership Act (H.R. 278): Introduced on January 9, 2025, this bill aims to enhance broadband infrastructure and accessibility in rural areas, addressing the digital divide that affects many of his constituents.
- Teacher Tax Deduction Enhancement (H.R. 228): On January 7, 2025, Griffith proposed increasing and adjusting for inflation the above-the-line deduction for teachers, aiming to provide educators with greater financial relief for out-of-pocket expenses.
- Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA Act (H.R. 4459): Introduced on July 3, 2023, this legislation seeks to enhance transparency in contracts awarded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, promoting accountability in public health expenditures.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Griffith’s positions on key social issues include:
- Abortion and Reproductive Health: He supports the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, aligning with a pro-life stance on abortion.
- Immigration: Griffith has voted to empower Virginia to enforce federal immigration laws, criminalize the employment of undocumented workers, and restrict firearm possession by illegal immigrants.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
On economic matters, Griffith has demonstrated the following positions:
- Budget and Fiscal Policy: He voted in favor of H.Con.Res. 14, establishing the federal budget for fiscal year 2025 and setting appropriate budgetary levels through 2034, reflecting his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
- Small Business Support: Griffith supported the Rural Small Business Resilience Act (H.R. 804) and the Small Business Procurement and Utilization Reform Act (H.R. 818), both designed to bolster small businesses, particularly in rural communities.
Demographics of Virginia’s 9th Congressional District
Virginia’s 9th Congressional District encompasses much of the southwestern part of the state. Key demographic data include:
- Population: As of 2022, the district’s population was approximately 785,903, reflecting a 12.5% increase from the previous year.
- Median Age: The median age is 43.9 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to state and national averages.
- Racial Composition: The district is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic) at 87.6%, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 5.76%, and smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups.
- Median Household Income: The median household income is $54,576, with a poverty rate of 17%, highlighting economic challenges within the district.
Controversial Statements
While specific controversial statements by Griffith are not detailed in the available sources, his legislative actions and policy positions have occasionally sparked debate among constituents and political observers. For instance, his support for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade aligns with his pro-life stance but contrasts with pro-choice advocates.
Griffith’s extensive legislative career reflects his dedication to the constituents of Virginia’s 9th Congressional District. His policy positions, legislative initiatives, and electoral success underscore his influential role in representing Southwest Virginia’s interests in the U.S. House of Representatives.