A. Benton "Ben" Chafin (38)

A. Benton "Ben" Chafin, a Republican, represented Virginia's 38th Senate District . Born on May 18, 1960, he served briefly in the Virginia House of Delegates from the 4th district in 2014 before winning a special election to the Senate, where he served from 2014 until his death on January 1, 2021, at age 60 due to COVID-19 complications. A native of Russell County in southwest Virginia, he was remembered as a dedicated family man with a wife of 38 years and three adult children, and as a "great public servant" and "man for all seasons" by colleagues.

Education and Political Experience

Limited public records detail his formal education. His political career began with election to the *Virginia House of Delegates * in 2013, serving from January to September 2014. He then transitioned to the *Virginia Senate * from September 2014 to January 2021 as a Republican. Notable positions included service on key committees, though specific achievements like awards are noted in legislative profiles without further elaboration in available records. He was the first Virginia lawmaker to die from COVID-19.