Virginia Democrat Terry McAuliffe is a businessman, entrepreneur, and Democratic Party leader from Fairfax County. For over 30 years, Terry has been fighting to create jobs, improve health care and education, and build a better future.
The youngest of four boys, Terry knew he would need to pay his own way through college so, at age 14, he started a business—the first of many successful businesses he would create throughout his life. At the age of 30, he was elected chairman of a struggling community bank that was on the verge of liquidation, and he turned it around. Later he took over and saved a large home building company that was on the brink of bankruptcy. Terry has several new projects in development, focusing his efforts on the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy sources. For example, he serves as Chairman of Green Tech Automotive, which manufactures electric and hybrid vehicles.
Terry has also been active as a volunteer for Democratic candidates and causes. He served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee where he brought his pragmatic, businessman’s approach to politics. As DNC Chairman, Terry increased grassroots outreach with supporters, got the Party out of debt, and invested in new technology. He has also served as a vocal advocate for working families across the country and Democratic Party principles, like fighting to end our nation’s reliance on foreign oil and develop renewable energy sources that are better for the environment and can create good jobs.
Terry is also a force in Virginia politics. In 2009, he decided to run for governor on the platform that, “Good ideas come from all corners of the Commonwealth, not just Richmond.” During the campaign, he hosted economic roundtables across Virginia, bringing together hundreds of business and community leaders to help generate new and innovative policy ideas. He used those ideas to craft a 131-page business plan to govern – a blueprint for Virginia.
Over 20 years ago, Terry and his wife Dorothy chose Virginia as their home. They live with their five children in Fairfax County, where they attend St. Luke Catholic Church.
