Delegate M. Kirkland “Kirk” Cox was first elected from the 66th District to the House of Delegates in 1989. The 66th House District includes all of Colonial Heights and seventeen precincts in Chesterfield.

During his time in the House of Delegates, Kirk has served in a number of leadership positions including as Speaker of the House (2018-2020). Kirk was the first Speaker in state history from Colonial Heights, the first Speaker to represent a portion of Chesterfield County since the 1800s, and the first Speaker whose profession was that of a public school teacher. Prior to serving as Speaker, Kirk served as Majority Leader from 2010 to 2018, and Majority Whip before that. In addition, he has served as chairman of the House Rules Committee and the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources (ACNR) Committee, as well as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He currently sits on both the Rules and Appropriations committees.

Kirk works tirelessly to make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family through his leadership on a wide variety of issues important to his constituents. A champion of quality public education, improved veteran services, support for citizens with disabilities, increased economic development opportunities, and job creation, Kirk has successfully advanced many legislative initiatives in recent sessions. He credits many of his major legislative successes to the suggestions made by constituents and their impressive presentations to key legislators and a score of committees. In particular, he is grateful for constituents who proposed and testified for legislation to support our military and veteran communities, provide better services to our fellow citizens with intellectual disabilities, and improve our environment.

For Kirk, one of the most satisfying aspects of being a member of the House is recognizing the important contributions to a better Virginia made by individuals and organizations in the 66th District. He has sponsored many commending resolutions to recognize their achievements.

A graduate of Colonial Heights High School, Kirk holds a B.S. in both Political Science and General Social Science from James Madison University. He is a retired government teacher with 30 years in-classroom experience. Kirk lives in Colonial Heights with his wife, Julie Kirkendall Cox. They have four sons. The Coxes are members of The Heights Baptist Church where he serves as a Deacon. Kirk is active in the Colonial Heights community and previously coached youth baseball for 14 seasons.

Delegate Kirk Cox’s Committees, Boards, and Commissions

Chairman of House Republican Policy Committee

Chairman of House Rules Committee

Member of Joint Rules Subcommittee

Member of Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission

Member of Joint Subcommittee on the Future Competitiveness of Virginia Higher Education

Member of Joint Subcommittee on the Virginia Preschool Initiative

Chairman of Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Chairman of Virginia World War I and World War II Commemorative Commission

Treasurer/Finance Committee Chairman of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Board of Trustees

Chairman of Jamestown-Yorktown Educational Trust

Co-chairman of 2019 Commemoration Task Force, 400th Anniversary of the General Assembly

Member of Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board

Member of VCU Health System Board of Directors

Chairman of Online Virginia Network Authority

Recognition for Outstanding Legislative Achievements