Very sad – and sudden and unexpected – news this afternoon. I’ll pass along more statements as they are issued. In the meantime, my deepest condolences to Sen. Miller’s family, friends, colleagues and constituents…
Governor McAuliffe Statement on the Passing of Virginia Senator John Miller
RICHMOND — Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement on the passing of Virginia Senator John Miller:
“Dorothy and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Senator John Miller, a moderate voice in the General Assembly, a knowledgeable lawmaker and a public servant who represented his constituents with skill and compassion. Senator Miller was a strong advocate for Virginia’s veterans and military families. A loyal friend to public schools, he took a leadership role in reforming and modernizing the Standards of Learning tests. He had a clear vision of the challenges facing Virginia, and he put forward clear goals for reaching solutions on issues ranging from climate change to redistricting reform. His many accomplishments are a testimony to his hard work and thorough attention to the needs of his district and the Commonwealth. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharron and the Miller family.”
Lieutenant Governor Northam’s Statement on Passing of Senator John Miller
RICHMOND – Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam today issued a statement on the passing of Virginia State Senator John Miller:
“Pam and I are saddened to hear of Senator Miller’s passing. John was a longtime friend to our family and a kind and genuine man, who served the Commonwealth with distinction. We were both elected to the Senate in 2007 and were seatmates in the Capitol. He was a strong advocate in the General Assembly for Virginia’s children, our military, and environment. His decades of service in Hampton Roads as a journalist, an elected official, and community leader have made Virginia a better place. Please keep his wife Sharron and their family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Senate Democratic Leadership Comments on the Passing of Senator John Miller
Said Senate Democratic Leader, Senator Dick Saslaw (D-Fairfax), “This afternoon, I was informed of Senator John Miller’s untimely passing. He has been a strong voice in the Senate, both for his region and as an advocate for education, carrying bills focusing on SOL reform and improving physical activity in schools. His wife Sharron and his family are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues here in the Senate and across the Commonwealth.”
Said Senate Democratic Caucus Chair, Senator Donald McEachin (D-Henrico), “I am saddened to hear of the loss of my friend and colleague, Senator John Miller. Throughout his time in the Virginia Senate, he was a fierce advocate for electoral fairness, carrying legislation to promote redistricting reform and no excuse absentee voting. His strong voice for progress and constructive solutions will be sorely missed. Sharron and the rest of his family are in our prayers.”
BACKGROUND
Senator Miller was first elected to the Senate in 2007 to represent the 1st Senate District. He represented the City of Williamsburg, parts of the City of Suffolk, parts of York County, James City County, and the Cities of Hampton and Newport News.
Sen. Tim Kaine: “John Miller was a longtime friend and a true public servant who dedicated so much of his career to serving Virginians. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Sharron and all those in the district that he loved so much.”
Sen. Mark Warner: “I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Senator John Miller. I knew John as a businessman and active leader in the community prior to entering public service. I’m proud to have been an early supporter of John as he ventured into politics and am even prouder to call him a friend. He will be sincerely missed. I send my deepest condolences to his wife Sharron and the Miller family.”
AG Mark Herring: “The Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Senate, and most of all Sharron, Jenny, John and the Miller family have lost an extraordinary man and public servant. John brought a quiet resolve to his work on behalf of students, veterans, and all Virginians who needed someone fighting on their behalf. I will miss his friendship and his compassionate heart, and Laura and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sharron, their children, and John’s many friends and colleagues.”
Del. Patrick Hope: “Shocking & sad news of the death of Sen. John Miller. A giant of a man will be missed but leaves a lasting legacy.”
State Sen. Donald McEachin: “I am saddened to hear of the loss of my friend and colleague, Senator John Miller. Throughout his time in the Virginia Senate, he was a fierce advocate for electoral fairness, carrying legislation to promote redistricting reform and no excuse absentee voting. His strong voice for progress and constructive solutions will be sorely missed. Sharron and the rest of his family are in our prayers.”
State Sen. Dick Saslaw: “This afternoon, I was informed of Senator John Miller’s untimely passing. He has been a strong voice in the Senate, both for his region and as an advocate for education, carrying bills focusing on SOL reform and improving physical activity in schools. His wife Sharron and his family are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues here in the Senate and across the Commonwealth.”
Del. David Toscano, Leader of the House Democratic Caucus: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Miller. The Senator was a rock-solid legislator who advocated effectively for the communities he represented and the citizens of the Commonwealth. I know that I speak for the entire House Democratic caucus in saying that we will greatly miss his thoughtful insights and strong leadership in the Senate and the General Assembly, and extend our thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.”
Del. Charniele Herring, Chair of the House Democratic Caucus: “Senator Miller was well known for his ability to work with all members of the General Assembly, regardless of their party, to advance the causes he believed in and to represent his constituents. He was a true statesman, a gentleman and it was my great honor to know him and work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sharron, and his family during their time of grief.”
Del. Monty Mason: “Pamela and I are devastated at the loss of this great man and extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Sharron, his children, John and Jenny, and the rest of his family. The people of the Peninsula and the Commonwealth of Virginia lost a selfless public servant today with his passing. John was a mentor, confidant and colleague to me. From the moment I decided to run for the House of Delegates in 2012 until this past weekend, when we last spoke, Senator Miller selflessly guided me and offered invaluable advice and counsel. He was an honorable man whose focused, steadfast leadership on education issues impacted every child in public school in Virginia. Senator Miller was a role model to us all, showing us that kindness and compassion have a place in politics. I will miss him every day.”
Del. Alfonso Lopez: “I am shocked and incredibly sad to learn of the sudden passing of State Senator John Miller. He was a gifted and good man – and his death is a great loss to the Virginia State Senate and the Commonwealth. Rest in Peace – and Thank you.”
Del. Jennifer McClellan: “Very shocked and sad to hear this news. Sen. Miller was a true gentleman and champion for public education.”
Del. Ken Plum: “A tragic loss for Virginia. Senator Miller was a caring statesman. May he rest in peace.”
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