Thomas Jerome Bliley

Republican Representative of Virginia's 7th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 28, 1932 (91 years old)

Birthday

November 16, 2023

Death

Served as a U.S. Representative for ten consecutive terms from 1981 to 2001.
Chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee for six years, from 1995 to 2001.
Authored significant legislation, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
Began political career as vice-mayor of Richmond, Virginia, in 1968, later becoming mayor from 1970 to 1977.
Transitioned from being a conservative Byrd Democrat to a Republican after his mayoral term.
Elected to Congress after winning the Republican nomination in 1980, marking a significant shift in the district’s political landscape.
Experienced little electoral competition after his initial election, often winning by large margins or running unopposed.
Played a key role in redistricting efforts that solidified Republican representation in his district.
Advocated for direct election of Richmond’s mayor through a public referendum after leaving Congress.
A Navy veteran who served as a lieutenant from 1952 to 1955 and worked in the family funeral business.