Don Beyer

Don Beyer is an American politician and businessman serving as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 8th congressional district since 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 40th lieutenant governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018 under Governor Terry McAuliffe. Beyer's career before politics was marked by significant success in the automotive industry, where he owned and operated a group of Volkswagen and Volvo dealerships in the Washington metropolitan area.

Early life and education

Donald Sternoff Beyer Jr. was born on June 20, 1950, in Trieste, then part of the Free Territory of Trieste. His father, Donald Sternoff Beyer Sr., was a Foreign Service officer, leading the family to live in various international posts. Beyer attended high school at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, before enrolling at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics, having also been a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and a standout on the college's ski team.

Business career

After graduation, Beyer moved to Northern Virginia and began working as a salesman at a Volkswagen dealership in Falls Church. In 1974, he purchased the struggling dealership, founding Don Beyer Volvo and beginning what would become the Don Beyer Auto Group. Under his leadership, the business expanded significantly, eventually encompassing multiple franchises for brands like Volvo, Volkswagen, and Kia across Arlington and Fairfax County. His business acumen earned him recognition, including a position on the national board of directors for Volkswagen of America.

Political career

Beyer's political involvement began with fundraising and activism for Democratic candidates. His first elected office was as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, a position he won in the 2013 election on a ticket with Terry McAuliffe. During his term from 2014 to 2018, he focused on issues such as climate change, gun violence prevention, and economic development, chairing the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors. He was also the Democratic nominee in the 1997 gubernatorial election, losing to Republican Jim Gilmore.

U.S. House of Representatives

Following the retirement of longtime Congressman Jim Moran, Beyer was elected to represent Virginia's 8th congressional district in the 2014 election. He has since been reelected consistently from the heavily Democratic district, which includes Alexandria, Arlington, and parts of Fairfax County. In the House, he serves on the influential Joint Economic Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he advocates for action on climate change, gun safety legislation, and federal science policy. He is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Personal life

Beyer is married to Megan Beyer, a former journalist and arts advocate who served on the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities under President Barack Obama. They have four adult children and reside in Alexandria, Virginia. An avid runner, Beyer has completed multiple marathons. He is also a dedicated advocate for nuclear disarmament and serves on the board of Physicians for Social Responsibility.