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G. K. Butterfield

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G. K. Butterfield
Official portrait, 2019
House Democratic Senior Chief Deputy Whip
In office
January 3, 2021 – December 30, 2022
LeaderNancy Pelosi
Preceded byJohn Lewis
Succeeded byJan Schakowsky
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from North Carolina's 1st district
In office
July 20, 2004 – December 30, 2022
Preceded byFrank Ballance
Succeeded byDon Davis
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus
In office
January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2017
Preceded byMarcia Fudge
Succeeded byCedric Richmond
Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court
In office
February 5, 2001 – January 1, 2003
Appointed byMike Easley
Preceded byI. Beverly Lake Jr.
Succeeded byEdward Thomas Brady
Personal details
Born
George Kenneth Butterfield Jr.

(1947-04-27) April 27, 1947 (age 77)
Wilson, North Carolina, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouses
​
​
(m. 1971; div. 1991)​
Sylvia Chester Butterfield
​
​
(m. 2021)​
Children3
EducationNorth Carolina Central University (BA, JD)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1968–1970
RankSpecialist
G. K. Butterfield's voice
G. K. Butterfield speaks in support of legislation extending federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
Recorded November 1, 2021

George Kenneth Butterfield Jr. (born April 27, 1947) is an American lawyer and politician who served as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 1st congressional district from 2004 to 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected in a special election after the resignation of Frank Ballance.

His district was in the state's northeastern corner, which included all or parts of 19 counties. A longtime advocate of civil rights, Butterfield was appointed an associate justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court by Governor Mike Easley in 2001, retaining the position until 2003. He was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and served as its chair from 2015 to 2017.

In November 2021, Butterfield announced that he would not run for re-election in 2022.[1]

On December 30, 2022, Butterfield resigned from his position to take up a lobbying position.[2]

Early life and education

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G. K. Butterfield was born and raised in the then segregated city of Wilson, North Carolina. Butterfield came from a prominent black family with a long history in North Carolina. Both of Butterfield's parents were mixed-race Americans.[3] His maternal grandfather, Rev Fred Davis, was a child of a former slave (Judah Davis) and a white man (Joe Davis).[4] His mother, Addie, taught elementary school for 48 years in some of North Carolina's poorest communities. She was keenly focused on ensuring that her students learned to read.[5] Butterfield's father, G. K. Butterfield Sr., was an immigrant from Bermuda.[6] As a graduate of Meharry Medical College, he practiced dentistry for 50 years in the poor, segregated community of East Wilson. In the late 1940s, he helped found the Wilson Branch of the NAACP in order to register black voters in the county. In 1953, he became the first African American elected to the city council in Wilson and the first black elected official in eastern North Carolina since Reconstruction.[5]

Butterfield graduated from Charles H. Darden High School in Wilson.[5] He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in political science and sociology from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a historically black university.[7] During his time at NCCU, Butterfield was active in voter registration activism, including coordinating voter registration drives in Durham and organizing a student march from the State Capitol in Raleigh to the Wilson County Courthouse to draw attention to the importance of voter registration. After completing his bachelor's degree, Butterfield attended the NCCU School of Law, receiving a Juris Doctor degree in 1974.[7]

During his junior year at NCCU, Butterfield was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Fort Bragg Army installation in Fayetteville.[5] He served from 1968 to 1970[8] and was honorably discharged, and he returned to NCCU to complete his undergraduate degree.[5]

In describing his racial identity as a black man, he has pointed to his African heritage, as a direct descendant of enslaved people.[9] He grew up in racially segregated North Carolina, living in "East Wilson", where he attended black schools. He spent his childhood as a firsthand witness to the disenfranchisement of his black community originating as part of a targeted campaign to remove his father from the Board of Aldermen.[4] He is the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.[10][11]

Judicial career

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After completing law school, Butterfield began a 14-year legal career as a civil rights attorney, practicing across eastern North Carolina. During this time, he developed his reputation, winning several voting-rights cases.[5]

In 1988, Butterfield was elected Resident Superior Court judge in judicial district 7BC. Beginning on January 1, 1989, and for the next 12 years, he presided over civil and criminal court in 46 North Carolina counties.[7] In February 2001, Governor Mike Easley appointed him to the North Carolina Supreme Court.[7] In 2002, Butterfield lost his seat on the Supreme Court, but he returned to the Superior Court bench by special appointment of Governor Easley. He served in that position until his retirement in May 2004 to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.[7]

Political career

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Butterfield was first elected to the House of Representatives in a special election on July 20, 2004,[12] to fill the seat of Frank Ballance, who had resigned after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering.[13] He assumed office on July 21, 2004.[14]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2004 special

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Butterfield was elected to Congress in a special election on July 20, 2004, to fill the unexpired term of Representative Frank Ballance, who had resigned for health reasons. He defeated Republican nominee Greg Dority and Libertarian Party nominee Tom Eisenmenger. Butterfield was sworn into office on July 21, 2004.

On July 20, 2004, Butterfield won the Democratic primary, entitling him to run in the November general election. Running against Dority again, he won his first full term with 64% of the popular vote.[15][16]

2006

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See also: 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina

Butterfield was unopposed for reelection in 2006.

2008

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See also: 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina § District 1

Butterfield defeated Dean Stephens with 70.28% of the vote.[17]

2010

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See also: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina § District 1

Butterfield defeated Republican nominee Ashley Woolard with 59.31% of the vote.[18]

2012

[edit]
See also: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina § District 1
Butterfield speaking at the 2012 Democratic National Convention

Butterfield defeated Republican Pete DiLauro with 75.32% of the vote.[19]

2014

[edit]
See also: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina § District 1

Butterfield defeated Republican Arthur Rich with 73.38% of the vote.[20]

2016

[edit]
See also: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina § District 1

Butterfield defeated Republican H. Powell Dew Jr. with 68.62% of the vote.[21]

2018

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See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina § District 1

Butterfield defeated Republican Roger W. Allison with 69.85% of the vote.[22]

2020

[edit]
See also: 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina § District 1

Butterfield defeated Republican Sandy Smith with 54.18% of the vote.[23]

Committee assignments

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Caucus memberships

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Butterfield served on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and formerly served on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee. He was the Region VIII representative on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

Beginning in 2007, in the 110th Congress, Butterfield was chosen to serve as one of eight Chief Deputy Whips for the House Democratic Caucus. Chief Deputy Whips assist in the formulation of Democratic policy and ensure the passage of legislation by maintaining good communication with members. He was appointed to this position by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.[7]

Political positions

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As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Butterfield advocated for the American Clean Energy and Security Act.[26] He supports "a market-based approach to capping carbon emissions"[27] and wants to broaden the United States' sources of energy.[28] On his website, Butterfield stresses the need to find more clean and domestic sources of energy.[27]

A strong supporter of civil rights, Butterfield advocated renewal of the Voting Rights Act and "introduced a bill calling for the Capitol Visitor's Center to acknowledge the slave labor used to build the Capitol."[29]

Originally endorsing John Edwards for the 2008 Democratic Party presidential nomination,[30] Butterfield endorsed Barack Obama in January 2008.[31]

In 2009, Butterfield introduced the Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite Act "to assist states in carrying out inspections of lodging facilities, train inspection personnel, contract with a commercial exterminator; educate owners and staff at lodging facilities."[32] He also passed H.R. 4252 "[t]o amend the Small Business Act to change the net worth amount under the small business program for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals from $750,000 to $978,722, and for other purposes."[33]

Butterfield supported the Affordable Care Act, and worked with the Energy and Commerce Committee to help write the legislation.[34] During the discussion of the bill in Congress, he complained about the lack of cooperation from Republicans.[34]

Butterfield supports increasing taxes for higher-income families while decreasing taxes for middle- and low-income families.[34] Although he is an advocate for using government stimulus in order to improve the economy, he wants to reduce government regulations on the private sector.[34]

In 2008, Planned Parenthood gave Butterfield an 80% rating. In 2009, Butterfield supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 100% of the time.[34] He identifies as pro-choice on abortion, and especially supports legalized abortion when the life of the woman is in danger or if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.[34] He called the day that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade a "sad day".[35]

Butterfield has repeatedly voted against defining marriage as being between one man and one woman, voting against the Marriage Protection Act of 2004 and constitutional marriage amendments in 2004 and 2006. He has voted to ban job discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 2010 voted for the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.[36]

Butterfield and Hillary Clinton at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina, March 2016

Butterfield voted in 2008 against the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) $700 billion bailout of the financial industry and the $14 billion rescue package for the auto industry.[37]

In 2011, he voted to extend expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act[38] and in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012.[39]

In 2012, Butterfield introduced legislation that would require more input from the public before tolls are introduced on roads. The legislation was in response to the "No toll on I-95" group, a Roanoke Rapids-based group that opposes instating a toll on I-95. Opponents of the toll argue that it leads to double taxation, and say it is the first time that "the federal government has put tolls on an existing interstate."[40]

In April 2012, Butterfield accompanied Obama to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to speak about extending the interest rates on federal loan programs for many undergraduate students. Butterfield expressed concern with the pending expiration, saying: "Allowing the current interest rates to expire would burden students with additional debt, prolong their ability to kick start their careers, and send the message that it is more important to cut taxes for the wealthy than educational expenses for our young people."[41]

On July 23, 2014, Butterfield introduced House Joint Resolution 120, approving the location of a memorial to commemorate the more than 5,000 slaves and free black persons who fought for independence in the American Revolution.[42][43]

As of 2022, Butterfield has voted with President Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight.[44]

Personal life

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Butterfield is married to Dr. Sylvia Chester Butterfield. He and his former wife, Jean Farmer-Butterfield (1971–1991), are the parents of Valeisha Butterfield Jones and Jenetta Lenai Butterfield. He is also the father of Tunya Butterfield Smith. His four grandsons are Dahntay Jones Jr., Dillon Jones, Chase Smith, and Gavin Smith. Butterfield is a lifelong member of Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina, where he has served as Trustee and Chairman of the Finance Ministry.[7] He also serves on the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Central University School of Law and as a Trustee of Gallaudet University.[5] He is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Gamma Sigma Chapter and a member of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Incorporated.[45] In 2017, the City of Greenville named its new transit center, the G.K. Butterfield Transportation Center, in his honor.[46] In 2024, a segment of Interstate 95 and the Wilson train station were also named in his honor.[47][48]

Electoral history

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North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice (Butterfield seat) election, 2002[49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Edward Thomas Brady 1,159,476 53.88%
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 992,603 46.12%
Total votes 2,152,079 100%
Republican gain from Democratic
2004 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield 137,667 63.98
Republican Greg Dority 77,508 36.02
Total votes 215,175 100
Democratic hold
2006 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[51]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 82,510 100
Total votes 82,510 100
Democratic hold
2008 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[52]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 192,765 70.28
Republican Dean Stephens 81,506 29.72
Total votes 274,271 100
Democratic hold
2010 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[53]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 103,294 59.31
Republican Ashley Woolard 70,867 40.69
Total votes 174,161 100
Democratic hold
2012 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[54]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 254,644 75.32
Republican Pete DiLauro 77,288 22.86
Libertarian Darryl Holloman 6,134 1.81
Total votes 338,066 99.9
Democratic hold
2014 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[55]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 154,333 73.38
Republican Arthur Rich 55,990 26.62
Total votes 210,323 100
Democratic hold
2016 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[56]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 240,661 68.62
Republican H. Powell Dew Jr. 101,567 28.96
Libertarian Joseph John Summerell 8,259 2.4
Total votes 346,830 99.98
Democratic hold
2018 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[57]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 190,457 69.9
Republican Roger Allison 82,218 30.2
Total votes 272,675 100.0
Democratic hold
2020 North Carolina's 1st congressional district election[58]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic G. K. Butterfield (incumbent) 188,870 54.2
Republican Sandy Smith 159,758 45.8
Total votes 348,618 100.0
Democratic hold

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Shepard, Steven; Everett, Burgess (November 17, 2021). "Another blow to Dems' House hopes: Butterfield retiring in N.C." Politico. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  2. ^ Brooks, Emily (December 30, 2022). "Butterfield resigns from Congress ahead of starting lobbying job". The Hill. Archived from the original on December 30, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
  3. ^ "g k butterfield". Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  4. ^ a b Flint, Matthew. "Hackney Library: Crossing the Tracks: An Oral History of East and West Wilson, North Carolina: Congressman G. K. Butterfield". barton.libguides.com. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "Full Biography". Representative G. K. Butterfield. May 17, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  6. ^ "CSCE :: Testimony :: Hon. G.K. Butterfield Commissioner - Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe". Csce.gov. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "About GK". United States House of Representatives. Archived from the original on July 30, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2008.
  8. ^ BUTTERFIELD, George Kenneth, Jr. (G.K.), (1947 - ) Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
  9. ^ AP, "Many insisting that Obama is not black", Huffington Post, December 14, 2008, accessed April 4, 2013
  10. ^ "Committees & Caucuses". August 8, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  11. ^ "Membership". Congressional Black Caucus. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  12. ^ "Short Biography". Representative G. K. Butterfield. February 1, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  13. ^ WRAL (May 7, 2004). "Frank Ballance Resigns Candidacy, Cites Health Concerns". WRAL.com. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  14. ^ "G.K. Butterfield". The Washington Times. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  15. ^ William L. Holmes (July 21, 2004). "Butterfield Wins Special Election; Will Face Dority in November". Associated Press.
  16. ^ Cindy George (July 21, 2004). "Former Justice Wins 1st District; Butterfield Fills Ballance's Seat". News and Observer. p. A16.
  17. ^ "North Carolina Election Results 2008". New York Times. Retrieved November 6, 2008.
  18. ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2010". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  19. ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2012". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  20. ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2014". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  21. ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2016". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  22. ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2018". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  23. ^ "US House of Representatives District 1 Results 2020". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  24. ^ "Butterfield elected to Congressional Black Caucus". The Daily Reflector. November 16, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  25. ^ "Our Members". U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  26. ^ Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) (June 15, 2009). "Poorest Americans, contributing least to climate change, will not be hurt by legislation to rectify". The Hill.
  27. ^ a b "Energy & Global Climate Change". Congressman G.K. Butterfield Official Website. Archived from the original on December 10, 2010.
  28. ^ Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) (June 15, 2010). "Hearing with oil executives underscores need for energy overhaul". The Hill.
  29. ^ "G.K. Butterfield, (D-N.C.)", Politics, Washington Post, December 23, 2011, accessed April 4, 2013.
  30. ^ Beckwith, Ryan Teague (January 11, 2008). "Butterfield now endorses Obama". The News & Observer. Raleigh, North Carolina. Archived from the original on May 24, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  31. ^ Boyer, Robert (October 12, 2008). "Hunt among state Dems stumping for Obama". Times-News. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008.
  32. ^ "StackPath".
  33. ^ G., Butterfield (December 9, 2009). "Text - H.R.4253 - 111th Congress (2009-2010): To amend the Small Business Act to change the net worth amount under the small business program for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals from $750,000 to $978,722, and for other purposes". thomas.loc.gov. Archived from the original on July 3, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  34. ^ a b c d e f "The Voter's Self Defense System". Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  35. ^ Butterfield, G. K. ""Today is a sad day in American jurisprudence."". Twitter. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  36. ^ "G.K. Butterfield - Gay Marriage". The Political Guide. April 3, 2021. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012.
  37. ^ "Democrat George Kenneth 'G.K.' Butterfield, Jr". Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  38. ^ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 36". clerk.house.gov. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. February 14, 2011. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  39. ^ "HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Voting Record". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  40. ^ "Butterfield to announce tolling bill". Chicago Tribune. May 4, 2012.
  41. ^ Johnston, Bill (April 24, 2012). "Butterfield to Join President Obama at Chapel Hill Speech Today". Goldsboro Daily News. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  42. ^ "H.J.Res. 120 - All Actions". United States Congress. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
  43. ^ Marcos, Cristina (September 8, 2014). "House authorizes location for American Revolution memorial in D.C." The Hill. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
  44. ^ Bycoffe, Anna Wiederkehr and Aaron (April 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  45. ^ Davis, Edmond (August 30, 2011). "Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship (1962- )". BlackPast.org. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  46. ^ "City to name transportation center for Butterfield". The Daily Reflector. Greenville, NC. November 28, 2017. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  47. ^ Reese, Brian (October 23, 2024). "Stretch of I-95 named in honor of former NC Congressman GK Butterfield". Portsmouth, VA: WAVY-TV. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  48. ^ Wilson, Drew C. (October 24, 2024). "Train station named for Butterfield". The Wilson Times. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  49. ^ "11/05/2002 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  50. ^ "11/02/2004 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 12, 2004. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  51. ^ "11/07/2006 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 17, 2006. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  52. ^ "11/04/2008 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 14, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  53. ^ "11/02/2010 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 12, 2010. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  54. ^ "11/06/2012 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 16, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  55. ^ "11/04/2014 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 25, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  56. ^ "11/06/2016 Official General Election Results - Statewide". North Carolina State Board of Elections. December 13, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  57. ^ "District 1, North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement". Retrieved November 10, 2018.
  58. ^ "District 1, North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement". Retrieved January 5, 2021.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to G. K. Butterfield.
Legal offices
Preceded by Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court
2001–2003 		Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from North Carolina's 1st congressional district
2004–2022 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus
2015–2017 		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded byas House Democratic Assistant to the Majority Whip House Democratic Senior Chief Deputy Whip
2021–2022
Served alongside: Jan Schakowsky 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas former U.S. Representative Order of precedence of the United States
as former U.S. Representative 		Succeeded byas former U.S. Representative
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