Gordon Helsel

Gordon Clair Helsel, Jr. (born January 9, 1947) is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and former mayor of Poquoson, Virginia. He represented the 91st district, which includes Poquoson and part of the neighboring city of Hampton. A retired businessman, Helsel previously served on the city council (1982–1990), as vice mayor (1990–1994), and as mayor (1996–2010) of Poquoson.^[1]

Gordon Helsel
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 91st district
In office March 9, 2011 – January 8, 2020
Preceded by	Thomas D. Gear
Succeeded by	Martha Mugler
Mayor of Poquoson, Virginia
In office 1996–2011
Preceded by	Cornell Burcher
Succeeded by	Gene Hunt
Personal details
Born	Gordon Clair Helsel, Jr. (1947-01-09) January 9, 1947 (age 78) Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Joyce Ann Rasnick
Residence	Poquoson, Virginia
Alma mater	Thomas Nelson Community College
Committees	Health Welfare and Institutions Science and Technology
Website	www.gordonhelsel.com
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1966–1971
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart (2)

Legislative positions

While serving as a member of the House of Delegates, Helsel's voting record angered many conservative Republicans, including his vote to expand Medicaid in Virginia,^[2] and his vote to defeat the "Tebow Bill".^[3] He retired before facing a primary challenger in 2019.