John J. Viola (born June 1, 1950) is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives for District 26.[1][2] He was elected in 1998 after defeating incumbent Republican Richard F. Davis. He served as the majority whip in the House before he left the position and was replaced by John "Larry" Mitchell in 2019.[3] His daughter, Andria Bennett, joined him in the House in 2012 after she was elected to replace her husband and Viola's son-in-law, Brad Bennett.[4]

John Viola
Member of the Delaware House of Representatives
from the 26th district
In office
November 4, 1998 – November 4, 2020
Preceded byRichard F. Davis
Succeeded byMadinah Wilson-Anton
Personal details
Born (1950-06-01) June 1, 1950 (age 74)
NationalityAmerican
Political partyDemocratic
ChildrenAndria Bennett
ResidenceNewark, Delaware
Alma materGoldey–Beacom College

Viola earned an associate degree in business management from Goldey–Beacom College.

Electoral history

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  • In 1998, Viola challenged incumbent Republican Richard F. Davis and defeated him in the general election with 1,897 votes (51.3%).[5]
  • In 2000, Viola won the general election with 6,054 votes (74.0%) against Republican nominee John Megahan and Libertarian nominee Andrew Gregg.[6]
  • In 2002, Viola won the general election with 3,123 votes (95.9%) against Independent J. Oliver Lannak.[7]
  • In 2004, Viola was unopposed in the general election, winning 6,255 votes.[8]
  • In 2006, Viola won the Democratic primary with 381 votes (58.5%),[9] and was unopposed in the general election, winning 3,795 votes.[10]
  • In 2008, Viola won the general election with 6,316 votes (79.9%) against Republican nominee Jeremy Filliben.[11]
  • In 2010, Viola won the general election with 4,819 votes (96.7%) against Republican nominee Hans-Erik Janco.[12]
  • In 2012, Viola was unopposed for the general election, winning 7,476 votes.[13]
  • In 2014, Viola was unopposed for the general election, winning 3,329 votes.[14]
  • In 2016, Viola was unopposed for the general election, winning 7,745 votes.[15]
  • In 2018, Viola won the general election with 5,417 votes (73.9%) against Republican nominee Justin Cruice.[16]
  • In 2020, Viola was defeated in the Democratic primary by challenger Madinah Wilson-Anton by a 42.7%-41.2% margin.[17]

References

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  1. ^ "Representative John J. Viola (D)". Dover, Delaware: Delaware General Assembly. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  2. ^ "John Viola's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  3. ^ Bittle, Matt (November 8, 2018). "Legislators pick new caucus leaders". Delaware State News.
  4. ^ Rush, Don (July 11, 2012). "Wife Makes Bid To Take Over Delaware House Seat From Husband". Delmarva Public Radio.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 3, 1998. Archived from the original on May 12, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  6. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 7, 2000. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  7. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 5, 2002. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  8. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 2, 2004. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  9. ^ "State of Delaware Primary Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. September 12, 2006. Retrieved November 12, 2013.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 7, 2006. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  11. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 4, 2008. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  12. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 2, 2010. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  13. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 6, 2012. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  14. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 7, 2014. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  15. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 8, 2016. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  16. ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 6, 2018. Archived from the original on December 22, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  17. ^ "State of Delaware Primary Election Official Results". Delaware Commissioner of Elections. September 15, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
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