G. K. Butterfield
D-North Carolina, Army
Bio: In 2004, G. K. Butterfield retired from the bench to run in a special election to fill the unexpired term of Congressman Frank Ballance (NC-01). Congressman Butterfield won a crowded primary election to fill the seat handily beating his opponent by capturing 71% of the vote.
Upon taking office in July 2004, Congressman Butterfield was determined to be a strong advocate for the people in eastern North Carolina. Recognizing the importance of agriculture and nutrition programs to the First District, Congressman Butterfield initially joined the House Agriculture Committee. He also served on the House Armed Services Committee where he was an advocate for our military, which has a strong presence throughout North Carolina. Congressman Butterfield also served on the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics Committee).
Currently, Congressman Butterfield is a member of the influential House Energy and Commerce committee. On the committee, he has been an advocate for access to quality healthcare, rural broadband expansion, protecting consumer privacy, promoting renewable energies, and reducing energy rates in low income communities. Congressman Butterfield sits on the subcommittees on Health; Communications and Technology; and Oversight. Previously he served as Ranking Member of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade subcommittee.
In addition to his work in Congress, the Congressman also serves on the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Central University School of Law, his alma mater, and on the Board of Trustees for Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Military Bio: During his junior year at NCCU, Congressman Butterfield was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg Army installation in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was later honorably discharged from the Army and returned to NCCU to complete his undergraduate degree.