Watkins Abbitt Jr.

Watkins Moorman Abbitt Jr. (born October 20, 1944) is an American politician. He is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Watkins Abbitt Jr.
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 59th district
In office January 8, 1986 – January 11, 2012
Preceded by	Claude W. Anderson
Succeeded by	Matt Fariss
Personal details
Born	Watkins Moorman Abbitt Jr. (1944-10-20) October 20, 1944 (age 80) Appomattox, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic (until 2001) Independent (since 2001)
Spouse	Madeline I. Ganley
Parent	Watkins Abbitt (father)
Residence	Appomattox County, Virginia
Education	Ferrum Junior College Virginia Commonwealth University
Occupation	Insurance; real estate

Biography

Abbitt was born in Appomattox, Virginia. He attended Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia, and earned a BS in economics from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.^[1] He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1985 and served from 1986 until his retirement in 2012. He did not seek re-election in 2011 and was succeeded by Matt Fariss. The American Conservative Union gave him a 100% evaluation in 2011.

Originally a Democrat, he switched to independent status in 2001 and started caucusing with the Republicans. Until 2012, Abbitt represented the 59th district in the Virginia Piedmont, including four counties and parts of three others.^[2]

Abbitt and his wife Madeline Ganley resided in Appomattox, Virginia.^[1]

Abbitt's father, Watkins Abbitt Sr., was a member of the United States House of Representatives 1948–1973.^[3]