John Guiher Hutchinson (February 4, 1935 – May 31, 2024) was an American politician, who served briefly as a member of the United States House of Representatives from West Virginia's 3rd congressional district. He was a Democrat.

John G. Hutchinson
Hutchinson in 1971
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from West Virginia's 3rd district
In office
June 30, 1980 – January 3, 1981
Preceded byJohn M. Slack Jr.
Succeeded byMick Staton
Mayor of Charleston, West Virginia
In office
1971–1980
Preceded byElmer H. Dodson
Succeeded byJoe F. Smith
Personal details
Born
John Guiher Hutchinson

(1935-02-04)February 4, 1935
Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.
DiedMay 31, 2024(2024-05-31) (aged 89)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materWest Virginia University
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Air Force
Years of service1956–1958
RankFirst lieutenant

Life and career

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Hutchinson was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on February 4, 1935. He graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown in 1956. Before entering politics, he served from 1956 to 1958 in the United States Air Force, and rose to rank of first lieutenant.

Hutchinson's public service career began in 1967, when he became Charleston treasurer, a post he held until 1971. He then served as Mayor of Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, from 1971 until 1980.

When longtime Congressman and fellow Democrat John M. Slack Jr. died in office on March 17, 1980, Hutchinson won the special election to fill Slack's vacancy in Congress. His short tenure began on June 30, 1980, and ended on January 3, 1981.

Hutchinson was defeated for his bid for his own full term by Republican nominee Mick Staton. However, Staton himself served only one term before being defeated by Democrat Bob Wise. This brought about a very rare situation in the U.S. House, where three men represented the same district within a three-year period, from 1980 to 1983. In sharp contrast, the last of those men, Wise, went on to serve for nine terms before becoming governor in 2001.

After leaving politics, Hutchinson became a business executive in Charleston. He died in Atlanta on May 31, 2024, at the age of 89.[1]

See also

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References

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  • United States Congress. "John G. Hutchinson (id: H001013)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from West Virginia's 3rd congressional district

June 30, 1980 – January 3, 1981
Succeeded by