Personal Biography

John C. Watkins, a Republican, began serving in the Virginia State Senate in 1998.  Senator Watkins was elected to complete the unexpired four-year term of Senator Joe Benedetti and was then reelected for the 2000 and 2004 terms to serve the citizens of the 10th District. Currently and as a result of redistricting, Senator Watkins now represents Amelia and Powhatan Counties, part of Chesterfield, Cumberland, Goochland and Henrico Counties, and part of the City of Richmond.  Prior to his Senate election, he represented Chesterfield and Powhatan Counties for sixteen years as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Senator Watkins is a respected leader in transportation and agricultural and natural resource issues.  He serves on the following committees in the Senate: Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; Commerce and Labor; Finance; and Transportation.    Senator Watkins also serves as Chairman of the Commission on Unemployment Compensation, the Virginia-North Carolina High-Speed Rail Compact Commission and the Virginia Geographic Information Network Advisory Board.

As Chairman of the Board of Watkins Nurseries, Senator Watkins has been a prominent and involved business and community leader.  He sits on the Board of Directors of CJW Medical Center and serves on the Board of Directors of Essex Bank and Community Bankers Trust. He is also involved in many civic organizations including the Midlothian Rotary Club, American Legion Post 186, the Chesterfield Business Council, and the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board.

He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  After graduation, he served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971.  Senator Watkins is a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, has three sons and four grandchildren, and he and his wife, Kathy, currently reside in Midlothian.