Longtime Charles City governmental representative Donald McEachin succumbs

Congressman A. Donald McEachin, who has represented Charles City County at a number of governmental levels throughout his tenure, has succumbed at the age of 61.

A press release form Tara Rountree, Chief of Staff, was released Monday night to announce his passing.

“We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin,” the press release began. “Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013. Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first.

“Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents,” the press release concluded.

McEachin began his venture in representing Charles City County in 1995 as the 74th District representative in the Virginia House of Delegates. He served for six years in his first stint and an additional two years after winning in 2005. In 2007, McEachin won the seat in Virginia’s Senate, and won it again in 2011. In 2020, McEachin won the general election to the United States House of Representatives. He won election to the position just three weeks ago prior to his passing.

McEachin has been instrumental in getting funding for broadband services and expansion in Charles City. In March of this year, more than $2.6 million in funding was awarded to support District 3’s campaign for more high-speed internet.

“The Charles City County community extends our deepest condolences in the passing of Rep. Donald McEachin,” said Charles City Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Coada. “He faithfully served as a state delegate, state senator, and congressional representative, having represented this community throughout his entire legislative career.

“Rep. McEachin grew to be so much more than our elected official, he became an important part of the fabric that is the Charles City community,” the chairman’s comments continued. “For more than 20 years, he was our champion and worked tirelessly to make sure we had access to opportunities that helped us be a great place to live, work, and worship. He showed up for us and we will forever be thankful for his example of commitment, leadership, and service.”

McEachin has opened doors for students educated by Charles City County as well. He established scholarships for graduates, as well as extended invitations for Charles City students to serve as Senate Pages during the Virginia General Assembly sessions.

“He gave me my first opportunity,” said Steven Williams, who served as a Senate Page in 2015. “I will miss him dearly.”

One of McEachin’s last public appearances in Charles City County was on Nov. 3, when Skipjack Solar Facility opened in the county.

No further information is currently available about McEachin’s passing as of this time. Arrangements will be announced at a future date. (This is a developing story and will be updated).