G. K. Butterfield

G. K. Butterfield was elected to the United States House of Representatives in a special election for North Carolina's 1st congressional district after the resignation of Representative Frank Ballance. Butterfield's victory marked the beginning of his legislative career, during which he became known for his work on voting rights and civil rights issues.

In 2007, G. K. Butterfield was appointed as Chief Deputy Whip of the Democratic Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. This position is a key role in the party leadership, tasked with ensuring party discipline and managing the legislative program on the House floor. Butterfield's appointment strengthened his influence within the Democratic Party and allowed him to help shape legislative priorities.

G. K. Butterfield voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) in 2009. This landmark legislation aimed to extend health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and implement significant reforms to the healthcare system. Butterfield's support for the ACA was aligned with his commitments to healthcare access and equity for all citizens.

G. K. Butterfield supported the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was signed into law in 2010. The act was a major overhaul of financial regulation in the United States following the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Butterfield's support for the legislation was part of his broader commitment to economic justice and protecting consumers from predatory financial practices.

After the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder in 2013, which invalidated key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, G. K. Butterfield was a vocal critic of the ruling. He argued that the decision would lead to voter suppression and called for legislative action to restore the protections. Butterfield's response highlighted his continued advocacy for voting rights.

G. K. Butterfield served as the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2015 to 2017. In this leadership role, he advocated for policies addressing issues affecting African Americans, such as criminal justice reform, economic opportunity, and healthcare. Butterfield's tenure as chair coincided with a period of increased national attention on racial inequality and justice.

On January 3, 2017, G. K. Butterfield was sworn in for his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing North Carolina's 1st congressional district. His continued service reflected the trust and support of his constituents, and his legislative focus included voting rights, healthcare reform, and economic development. During this term, Butterfield continued to be an influential voice on civil rights issues.

In 2018, G. K. Butterfield supported the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill that aimed to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation efforts for incarcerated individuals. The bipartisan legislation sought to address issues within the justice system and create fairer sentencing laws. Butterfield's support for the act was consistent with his long-standing commitment to civil rights and justice reform.

G. K. Butterfield participated in the response to the national protests following the killing of George Floyd in 2020. He called for comprehensive police reform and supported legislation aimed at addressing systemic racism and police brutality. Butterfield's advocacy during this period reaffirmed his dedication to civil rights and justice.

G. K. Butterfield announced his retirement from Congress in 2021, stating that he would not seek re-election in 2022. His decision came after serving over 17 years in office and was influenced by redistricting changes in North Carolina. Butterfield's retirement marked the end of a long career focused on civil rights, economic justice, and representing the interests of his constituents.