Preceded by Watkins Abbitt, Jr. Name Matt Fariss Political party Republican Role Politician | Spouse(s) Crystal Dawn Brown Party Republican Party | |
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Born May 11, 1968
Lynchburg, Virginia ( 1968 -05-11 ) Children Hunter, Bobby, Harrison Committees Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
Militia, Police and Public Safety Residence Rustburg, Virginia, United States | ||
Occupation Farmer, Businessperson | ||
Matt Fariss
C. Matthew "Matt" Fariss (born May 11, 1968 in Lynchburg, Virginia) is an American politician. A Republican, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2011. He currently represents the 59th district, made up of Appomattox County and Buckingham counties, and parts of Albemarle, Campbell, and Nelson counties west of Richmond.
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Early life, education, business career
Fariss grew up on a farm. After graduating from Rustburg High School, he went into farming himself, and expanded into other related businesses, including co-ownership of the Lynchburg Livestock Market.
Fariss married Crystal Dawn Brown. They have three children, Hunter, Bobby and Harrison.
Political career
The 59th district incumbent, independent Watkins Abbitt, Jr., retired in 2011 after 26 years of service. Fariss, the Republican nominee, won a three-way race against Democrat Connie Brennan and independent Linda M. Wall, receiving 52.98% of the vote. In 2016, Fariss was convicted of a hit and run accident. Fariss is a social conservative, and supports anti-abortion legislation, as well as anti-LBGT legislation: "As delegate, he will oppose any effort on the state or local level to allow for marriage, partnership benefits, or recognition. Matt will work diligently to ensure that what has happened in New York and elsewhere will never happen in Virginia."