The Honorable Eric Cantor
Eric Cantor is a results-oriented leader in Congress committed to helping solve problems for America's families. He has developed a broad range of innovative solutions to promote economic freedom, economic growth, job creation and national security.
Representing Virginia’s 7th District, Eric has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001. In late 2008, Eric was elected by his colleagues in the House to serve as the Republican Whip for the 111th Congress.
In Congress, Eric has earned a reputation as a consensus-builder and pragmatist respected on both sides of the aisle. The Weekly Standard featured him as an emerging leader among an impressive group of "Young Guns of the House GOP.”
A former small businessman, Eric has emerged as a leading voice on the economy and jobs. His commentary is often featured in publications focusing on a wide range of issues including economic matters, health care, foreign policy and defense. He serves as the chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare.
Eric sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, where he has worked to lower taxes, eliminate red tape, strengthen small businesses, and encourage entrepreneurs. He was the chief sponsor of a 2006 bill to make permanent the slashed individual income tax rates for capital gains and dividends, rewarding entrepreneurs, retirees and investors with the ability to create more opportunity for their families and jobs for our communities. He has long been a key player in health care, fighting for greater choice for families. He authored the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, which made it easier for families to save for their health care needs through Health Savings Accounts. The legislation became law in late 2006.
Since being elected Whip, Eric has assembled a highly effective and energetic Republican whip team that serves as the nerve center of the Republican Conference. In early 2009, the whip team coordinated the effort in which no Republicans voted for the nearly $1 trillion stimulus bill.
During the lead-up to the stimulus vote, Minority Leader John Boehner tapped Eric to head up the Republican Economic Solutions Group that produced the Republican alternative plan which would have created twice the jobs at half the cost of the stimulus bill signed into law. The group has continued to meet to develop responsible solutions to our challenges. In December, the group offered President Obama a no-cost jobs plan.
Eric is a lifelong resident of the Richmond area, where he got his start in politics as a driver for his predecessor Congressman Tom Bliley.
Eric received his law degree from The College of William and Mary and his master's degree from Columbia University in New York.
Eric and his wife, Diana, reside in Richmond, Virginia. They have three children: Evan, 19, is in his second year at The University of Virginia; Jenna, 17, and Michael, 15, both attend Henrico County Public Schools.