Seal of the Governor
For Immediate Release: January 1, 2021
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Alenaa Yarmosky, Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Northam Statement on the Passing of Senator A. Benton Chafin, Jr.

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam issued the following statement today on the passing of Senator A. Benton Chafin, Jr.

“With the passing of Senator Ben Chafin, Southwest Virginia has lost a strong advocate—and we have all lost a good man.

“I knew Ben as a lawmaker, an attorney, a banker, and a farmer raising beef cattle in Moccasin Valley, working the land just as generations of his family had done before him. He loved the outdoors, and he loved serving people even more. He pushed hard to bring jobs and investment to his district, and I will always be grateful for his courageous vote to expand health care for people who need it. 

“Pam and I are praying for Lora and their children, and I have ordered the Virginia state flag to be lowered immediately over the state Capitol in his honor and remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of his interment.

“This is sad news to begin a new year with the loss of a kind and gracious man. May we all recommit to taking extra steps to care for one another.”

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