John Cosgrove (Virginia politician)

John Cosgrove
Member of the Virginia Senate
from the 14th district
In office
August 16, 2013 – September 30, 2023
Preceded byHarry Blevins
Succeeded byChristie Craig (Redistricing)
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 78th district
In office
January 9, 2002 – August 16, 2013
Preceded byHarry Blevins
Succeeded byJay Leftwich
Personal details
Born (1954-06-07) June 7, 1954 (age 70)
Montgomery, Alabama
Political partyRepublican
SpouseSue Ann Culpepper
ChildrenMichael, Brian
ResidenceChesapeake, Virginia
Alma materTidewater Community College
Old Dominion University
ProfessionElectronics engineer
CommitteesEducation and Health
Rehabilitation and Social Services
Transportation
Websitewww.johncosgrove.org
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
Years of service1987–1998
UnitUnited States Naval Reserve

John A. Cosgrove (born June 7, 1954) is an American politician. On August 16, 2013, he was sworn in as a member of the Senate of Virginia, representing the 14th district, after winning an August 6 special election to replace the retiring Harry Blevins.[1][2]

From 2002 to 2013 Cosgrove served in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 78th district in the city of Chesapeake. Cosgrove is a member of the Republican Party.[3]

Cosgrove is a Virginia State Leader for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which writes conservative model bills for state legislators to introduce.[4]

Cosgrove is an advocate for gun rights. In 2017, the Virginia Citizens Defense League named him one of the most pro-gun politicians in the state.[5] In 2017, Cosgrove mistakenly left his handgun unattended in an assembly meeting room.[6]

In September 2023 Cosgrove resigned from the Virginia Senate after being appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to a position at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.[7]

  1. ^ Downs, John Sr. (August 21, 2013). "John Cosgrove: Chesapeake's New State Senator". The Citizen of Chesapeake. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  2. ^ Sheler, Jeff (August 7, 2013). "Cosgrove wins special election to fill Va. senate seat". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  3. ^ "Virginia House of Delegates; Session 2013; Cosgrove, John A." Virginia House of Delegates. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
  4. ^ "State Chairs - American Legislative Exchange Council".
  5. ^ "Virginia Citizens Defense League Names 2017's Most Pro Gun Politicians". April 10, 2017.
  6. ^ "Virginia lawmaker left handgun unattended in General Assembly meeting room".
  7. ^ "Youngkin appoints Byron, Roth to workforce posts". Richmond Times-Dispatch. September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2023.