Virginia Foxx
Virginia Foxx has carved a remarkable path from humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to a powerful position in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a long-serving Republican, she has influenced education policy, debated national issues, and become a prominent voice from her state. Her journey reveals a deep commitment to conservative principles and a tenacious spirit forged by an extraordinary life story. Virginia Foxx overcame significant early life poverty, including growing up without running water or electricity, to become the first in her family to graduate high school and pursue higher education. Before her long tenure in Congress, Foxx built a diverse career as an educator, college president, and North Carolina state senator, demonstrating a steady rise through public service. As a leading Republican in the House, she has chaired influential committees and consistently championed conservative stances on issues ranging from healthcare and abortion to LGBTQ+ rights and economic policy.
AI Summary
Virginia Foxx has carved a remarkable path from humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to a powerful position in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a long-serving Republican, she has influenced education policy, debated national issues, and become a prominent voice from her state. Her journey reveals a deep commitment to conservative principles and a tenacious spirit forged by an extraordinary life story.
- Virginia Foxx overcame significant early life poverty, including growing up without running water or electricity, to become the first in her family to graduate high school and pursue higher education.
- Before her long tenure in Congress, Foxx built a diverse career as an educator, college president, and North Carolina state senator, demonstrating a steady rise through public service.
- As a leading Republican in the House, she has chaired influential committees and consistently championed conservative stances on issues ranging from healthcare and abortion to LGBTQ+ rights and economic policy.
From Humble Beginnings
Virginia Ann Palmieri was born in Manhattan in 1943, but her family moved to the scenic, yet rugged, Linville Falls, North Carolina, when she was just six years old. Her parents worked various jobs, from painting and hairdressing to hotel cleaning, providing for their family in challenging circumstances.
Growing up, Foxx experienced significant poverty. She often recounts how her family did not have running water or electricity in their home until she was 14 years old, a stark contrast to the amenities many take for granted today. Despite being baptized Catholic, her family attended a local Baptist church due to the absence of a nearby Catholic parish.
Her early work ethic was undeniable. Attending Crossnore High School, she took on a job as a janitor, a testament to her determination. She holds the distinction of being the first member of her family to graduate from high school, a significant achievement that set her on a new trajectory.
After a brief period working as a typist in New York City, Foxx returned to North Carolina, committed to furthering her education. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1968, later completing both a Master of Arts in college teaching and a Doctor of Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Before the Capitol Hill
Before entering the political arena, Virginia Foxx and her husband, Thomas Foxx, were entrepreneurs, owning and operating a successful nursery and landscaping business. This experience in the private sector gave her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by small businesses.
Her passion for education led her to teach English at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute and Appalachian State University. She then transitioned into university administration, eventually serving as president of Mayland Community College from 1987 until 1994, shaping the minds of countless students.
Foxx’s political journey began at the state level. She served as Deputy Secretary for Management under North Carolina Governor James G. Martin, gaining valuable insights into state governance. This experience propelled her into the North Carolina Senate, where she served with distinction from 1994 to 2004.
A Long Career in Congress
In 2004, Virginia Foxx took her public service to the national stage, winning her first election to the U.S. House of Representatives. She has since consistently represented North Carolina's 5th congressional district, a largely rural area encompassing a significant portion of Greensboro.
Committee Leadership
Foxx rapidly ascended to influential leadership positions within the House. She served as chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor from 2017 to 2019 and again from 2023 to 2025, playing a pivotal role in shaping national education and workforce policy. Since 2025, she has held the powerful position of Chair of the House Rules Committee.
Beyond her committee work, Foxx has also held key leadership roles within the Republican Conference, including Secretary from 2013 to 2016. As of January 2025, she became the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation, a testament to her seniority and influence among her state's representatives.
Her electoral record demonstrates consistent public support. After her initial win, she was repeatedly reelected by substantial margins, often securing over 60% of the vote. For instance, in 2020, she won with over 66% of the vote, showcasing her enduring popularity in the district.
Notable Votes and Incidents
Early in her congressional career, in September 2005, Foxx was one of only 11 members of Congress to vote against a $51 billion aid package for victims of Hurricane Katrina. This vote highlighted her conservative approach to federal spending.
In 2013, she co-sponsored legislation aimed at preventing children born in the United States to undocumented parents from automatically gaining citizenship. This position aligns with a broader conservative stance on immigration policy.
Foxx consistently defended President Donald Trump during his impeachment inquiries. She voted against both articles of impeachment in December 2019 (abuse of power and obstruction of Congress) and again against the single article in January 2021 (incitement of insurrection).
Following the January 6th Capitol attack, new security measures, including metal detectors, were installed outside the House chamber. In May 2021, Foxx was one of several Republican representatives fined for evading these detectors, reportedly running through one and ignoring officers.
Her interactions with the news media have also drawn attention. In October 2023, during a press conference for then-House speaker nominee Mike Johnson, Foxx was scrutinized for telling a reporter asking a question to "go away" and "shut up," demonstrating a no-nonsense approach often seen in political circles.
Key Assignments and Memberships
Committee on Education and Workforce (former Chair) Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Rules (Chair) Committee on Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations
Republican Study Committee Congressional Constitution Caucus Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans Congressional Taiwan Caucus United States–China Working Group
Core Political Stances
Virginia Foxx is a staunch opponent of legal access to abortion. She has voted to repeal rules requiring federal funds to be distributed to health centers that perform abortions, and unequivocally stated in 2014 that she believes no exceptions, even for rape, incest, or the health of the mother, should be made to justify abortion.
Economic Views
Reflecting her conservative economic philosophy, Foxx voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a significant COVID-19 relief package. This vote aligned with all other Republican members of the House and Senate, emphasizing fiscal caution over large-scale government spending.
Controversial Files
In July 2025, Foxx notably voted against amendments that sought to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, stating that the decision was best left to the President. She also opposed further proposals to bring the 'Epstein Files Transparency Act' to a full House vote.
Healthcare Debate
A vocal opponent of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), Foxx has used strong rhetoric to convey her disapproval. She once claimed, "we have more to fear from the potential of the Affordable Health Care for America Act passing than we do from any terrorist right now in any country," and criticized provisions for end-of-life counseling, suggesting it would put seniors in a position of "being put to death by their government."
LGBTQ+ Rights
Foxx’s comments on LGBTQ+ rights have generated significant controversy. In 2009, while debating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, she controversially claimed that Matthew Shepard's murder was not a hate crime, but rather a robbery, calling the widely accepted hate crime narrative "a hoax."
After facing widespread criticism, including from Matthew Shepard’s mother who was reportedly present during her remarks, Foxx later retracted her "hoax" comment. She clarified that her use of the word was in "bad taste" and acknowledged the tragedy of Shepard's murder, stating his killers received appropriate justice.
Her opposition to LGBTQ+ rights has been consistent. In 2015, she condemned the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. More recently, in December 2022, she voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified same-sex and interracial marriage rights into federal law.
In 2019, Foxx also strongly opposed the Equality Act, a bill designed to expand federal civil rights protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity, urging her colleagues to vote against its passage.
Privacy and Wellness
In 2017, Foxx introduced the 'Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act,' which aimed to modify genetic privacy protections established by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. Critics argued the bill could allow companies to mandate genetic testing for employees, risking penalties for non-compliance and granting employers access to sensitive health information.
Marijuana Policy
In December 2020, Foxx voted against the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which sought to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. This vote garnered attention as financial disclosure reports indicated she had made multiple investments, totaling between $79,000 and $210,000, in Altria, a major tobacco company with a growing stake in the U.S. cannabis industry.
Personal Life
At the age of 20, Virginia Palmieri married Thomas Foxx, beginning a lifelong partnership. Together, they have a daughter, building a family life amidst her demanding career in public service.
Foxx identifies as Catholic, a faith she has maintained despite her family's early attendance at a Baptist church due to geographic convenience. Her personal connections also include her former son-in-law, Mustafa Özdemir, a Turkish businessman, reflecting a diverse family background.
Article
Virginia Foxx
Virginia Ann Foxx (née Palmieri; born June 29, 1943) is an American politician, businesswoman, and educator serving as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 5th congressional district since 2005. A member of the Republican Party, Foxx has served as chair of the House Rules Committee since 2025 in the 119th Congress. She also served as Secretary of the House Republican Conference from 2013 to 2016. She was the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Labor from 2019 to 2023 and served as the committee's chair from 2017 to 2019 and from 2023 to 2025. Foxx's district encompasses much of the rural northwestern portion of the state, including the majority of Greensboro. Since January 2025, Foxx has been the dean of North Carolina's congressional delegation, having previously shared the deanship with Patrick McHenry until his retirement.
Early life and education
Virginia Foxx
Virginia Ann Palmieri was born in the Manhattan borough of New York City on June 29, 1943 to Dollie (née Garrison) and Nunzio John Palmieri. Her father was a painter and a paperhanger who also worked as a hairdresser and construction worker and her mother worked odd jobs, working in restaurants as well as a hotel maid and weaver. She and her family moved near Linville Falls, North Carolina, when she was 6. Palmieri grew up in a poor family and did not live in a home with running water and electricity until age 14. Although baptized Catholic, her family attended a Baptist church since there was no Catholic church nearby.
Palmieri attended Crossnore High School in Crossnore, North Carolina and worked as a janitor at the school. She was the first member of her family to graduate from high school.
For a brief period after high school, Palmieri returned to New York City, earning money by working as a typist and living with family in the Bronx. She then moved back to North Carolina to continue her education, initially at Appalachian State University. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in 1968, and later earned both a Master of Arts in college teaching (1972) and a Doctor of Education (1985) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Career before Congress
Virginia Foxx
Virginia Foxx and her husband, Thomas Foxx, owned and operated a nursery and landscaping business.
Foxx worked as a research assistant and then an English instructor at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute and Appalachian State University before moving into university administration. From 1987 until her 1994 entry into politics, she was president of Mayland Community College. Under North Carolina Governor James G. Martin, Foxx served as Deputy Secretary for Management. From 1994 to 2004, she served in the North Carolina Senate.
United States House of Representatives
Political campaigns
Foxx talking with constituents in Yadkinville, NC
Foxx was first elected to the U.S. House in 2004, defeating Jim Harrell, Jr. with 59% of the vote.
Foxx was briefly targeted in the 2006 elections, but the Democrats' top choice, Winston-Salem mayor Allen Joines, decided not to run. Joines later said he lacked the stomach for the kind of race he felt it would take to defeat Foxx. Her 2006 opponent was Roger Sharpe, whom she defeated.
Roy Carter of Ashe County was Foxx's opponent in the 2008 election; she won by a substantial margin.
In 2010, Foxx was reelected with about 65% of the vote.
In 2014, Foxx was reelected with about 60% of the vote, defeating software developer Josh Brannon.
In 2016, Foxx was reelected with about 59% of the vote, again over Brannon.
In 2018, Foxx was reelected with 57% of the vote, defeating DD Adams, a council member for the North Ward of Winston-Salem.
In the 2020 general election, Foxx won over 66% of the vote, defeating Democrat David Brown.
In 2022, Foxx sought re-election in the redrawn 5th congressional district, which favored the GOP. Foxx was endorsed by President Donald Trump in 2021. She defeated Democrat Kyle Parrish, 63.2–36.8%.
Tenure
Foxx during the 110th Congress
Hurricane Katrina
In September 2005, Foxx was one of 11 members of Congress to vote against the $51 billion aid package to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Opposition to birthright citizenship
In January 2013, Foxx co-sponsored legislation that would stop children born in the United States to undocumented parents from gaining citizenship.
First Trump impeachment
On December 18, 2019, Foxx voted against both articles of impeachment (abuse of power and obstruction of Congress) of President Donald Trump.
Second Trump impeachment
On January 23, 2021, Foxx voted against the single article of impeachment (Incitement of Insurrection) of President Donald Trump.
House security
In May 2021, Foxx became the fifth Republican representative to be fined for evading metal detectors put in place outside the chamber after the January 6 United States Capitol attack. Foxx ran through the magnetometer, setting it off, and ignored officers attempting to prevent her entering the House floor.
Behavior with the news media
Foxx has been known for frequently scolding reporters and staff for being on or near members-only elevators in Capitol buildings. In October 2023 while among Republicans gathered for a press conference for then-House speaker nominee Mike Johnson, she was scrutinized for telling a reporter to "go away" and "shut up" when Johnson was asked to speak about his efforts to overturn the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
Committee assignments
• Committee on Education and Workforce • Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions • Committee on Oversight and Reform • Subcommittee on Government Operations • Committee on Rules (Chair)
Caucus memberships
• Republican Study Committee • Congressional Constitution Caucus • Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans • Congressional Taiwan Caucus • United States–China Working Group
Political positions
Abortion
Foxx opposes legal access to abortion. She voted for a bill to repeal a rule requiring state and local governments to distribute federal funds to qualified health centers, even if they perform abortions. In 2014, Foxx was asked whether there were any conditions under which she considered abortion acceptable. She replied that, even in the case of rape, incest, or the health of the mother, no exception should be made to justify abortion.
Economy
Foxx, along with all other Senate and House Republicans, voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Epstein files
On July 14, 2025, Foxx voted against an amendment by Congressman Ro Khanna seeking to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Foxx stated that the decision to release any of the files was better left to the president. Later, Foxx opposed another proposal that would require the full U.S. House of Representatives to consider and vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Health care
An opponent of the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare), she has said, "we have more to fear from the potential of the Affordable Health Care for America Act passing than we do from any terrorist right now in any country." When commenting on the House version of the reform bill that funds counseling for end-of-life issues, Foxx said, "Republicans have a better solution that won't put the government in charge of people's health care" and "[The plan] is pro-life because it will not put seniors in a position of being put to death by their government."
LGBT rights
In April 2009, Foxx expressed opposition to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, claiming that Matthew Shepard's murder was not a hate crime. While debating the act in the House, she called the murder a "very unfortunate incident" but claimed "we know that that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay." She ultimately called that allegation "a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing hate crimes bills". Some media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Huffington Post, criticized her statements, as did Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Democratic sources claimed that Matthew Shepard's mother was present during Foxx's statements.
Foxx later retracted her comments, suggesting her use of the word "hoax" was in bad taste. She suggested that Shepard's murder was a tragedy and that his killers had received appropriate justice.
In 2015, Foxx condemned the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which held that same-sex marriage bans violated the Constitution.
In 2019, Foxx strongly opposed the Equality Act, a bill that would expand the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and urged Congress members to vote against it.
In December 2022, Foxx voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified same-sex and interracial marriage rights into federal law.
Privacy rights
She introduced the 'Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act' (H.R. 1313; 115th Congress) in 2017. The bill would eliminate the genetic privacy protections of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–233); allow companies to require employees to undergo genetic testing or risk paying a penalty of thousands of dollars; and let employers see that genetic and other health information.
Marijuana
In December 2020, Foxx voted against the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE), which aimed to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. According to financial disclosure reports, she has made at least six investments in Altria, one of the world's largest tobacco companies and a leader in the burgeoning U.S. cannabis industry, since September 2020. In all, records show she has purchased somewhere between $79,000 and $210,000 in Altria stock.
Personal life
Virginia Foxx
At the age of 20, Virginia Palmieri married Thomas Foxx. The Foxxes have a daughter.
Foxx is Catholic. Her former son-in-law, Mustafa Özdemir, is a Turkish businessman.