Delegate Kirk Cox, the Majority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, was a special guest lecturer in Political Science Professor Elliott Fullmer’s course, Interest Groups, on November 22, 2016. Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren was delighted to host him on campus.

During his lecture, Cox discussed several points of interest: rules that govern Virginia lawmakers in their interactions with interest group lobbyists, including new gift limits that were adopted in recent years; the many interest groups that he interacts with, including those representing banks, credit unions, farmers, physicians, and motorcyclists; and the demands of serving in a part-time legislature.

Cox answered students’ questions for nearly an hour, commenting on many topics, including the importance of going door-to-door to speak with constituents (even when not running for reelection); the positive role that many lobbyists play in informing members of the legislature about important issues; and the difficulties that some Virginia communities have had given recent cuts to the defense budget.

“It was a pleasure having Delegate Cox visit my class,” says Fullmer. “He touched on many topics that we had covered during the semester, adding real-world perspectives that were extremely valuable to the students, and to me. Much of our discussion in class has centered on the role of interest groups at the national level, so his state-level perspectives were a perfect addition. It was a treat having him in the classroom, and I hope he can join us again.”

Photos: Del. Kirk Cox

Delegate Kirk Cox
Cox was first elected from the 66th District to the House of Delegates in 1989. The 66th House District includes all of Colonial Heights and twelve precincts in Southern/Western Chesterfield County. On December 5, 2010, the House Republican Caucus elected Cox to serve as the House Majority Leader, the second highest leadership position in the House of Delegates.

In addition to his new role as Majority Leader, Cox serves on the House Appropriations Committee, the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee’s Higher Education Subcommittee, and a Budget Conferee. He sits on two additional Appropriations Subcommittees: the Agriculture, Commerce, Technology, and Natural Resources Subcommittee; and the Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations Subcommittee. Cox serves with other senior lawmakers on the Rules Committee, where he serves as Vice Chairman, and on the Joint Rules Committee. He is also a member of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.