John McAuliff

John Chilton McAuliff is an American politician who was elected member of the Virginia House of Delegates, from the 30th District, in 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he defeated incumbent Republican delegate Geary Higgins.

Early life and education

McAuliff’s family has lived in Warrenton, Virginia, since the Revolutionary War. He is a tenth generation descendant of Mayflower passenger Mary Chilton. He grew up in Irvington, New York, graduating from The Masters School, where he was senior class president. He then graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in leadership studies. He worked as a volunteer engineer in Peru and interned at USA Today and in U.S. Representative Nita Lowey's district office during college. He was a summer intern in the White House Internship Program in 2013.

Career

McAuliff worked as chief of staff to delegate David A. Reid for 3 years, then at the USDA Rural Development, and in the White House Office on Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation. He currently runs a bed and breakfast at his late grandmother's historic home in Warrenton and served in Loudoun County's Medical Reserve Corps.

McAuliff announced his campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates against incumbent Republican Geary Higgins in 2025. He campaigned against data centers in the region. He held a significant lead in campaign fundraising, having $3,032,762 in donations while Higgins had $1,093,068. McAuliff narrowly defeated Higgins in the general election, becoming the first Democratic state delegate to represent the area in over 30 years.

Personal life

McAuliff lives in Old Tavern, Virginia, on a farm with his girlfriend.