Gordon Helsel
| |
|---|---|
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 91st district | |
| In office March 9, 2011 – January 8, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas D. Gear |
| Succeeded by | Martha Mugler |
| Mayor of Poquoson, Virginia | |
| In office 1996–2011 | |
| Preceded by | Cornell Burcher |
| Succeeded by | Gene Hunt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Gordon Clair Helsel, Jr. (1947-01-09) January 9, 1947 (age 77) Hampton, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Joyce Ann Rasnick |
| Residence | Poquoson, Virginia |
| Alma mater | Thomas Nelson Community College |
| Committees | Health Welfare and Institutions Science and Technology |
| Website | www.gordonhelsel.com |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1966–1971 |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |  Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart (2) |
| |
Gordon Clair Helsel, Jr. (born January 9, 1947) is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and former mayor of Poquoson, Virginia. He represented the 91st district, which includes Poquoson and part of the neighboring city of Hampton. A retired businessman, Helsel previously served on the city council (1982–1990), as vice mayor (1990–1994), and as mayor (1996–2010) of Poquoson.[1]
While serving as a member of the House of Delegates, Helsel's voting record angered many conservative Republicans, including his vote to expand Medicaid in Virginia,[2] and his vote to defeat the "Tebow Bill".[3] He retired before facing a primary challenger in 2019.
