D. French Slaughter, Jr.

Daniel French Slaughter Jr. (May 20, 1925 – October 2, 1998) was an American politician and member of the United States House of Representatives from January 3, 1985, until his resignation on November 5, 1991.

Early life and education Daniel Slaughter Jr. was born in Culpeper, Virginia, and attended public schools in Culpeper County. He attended Virginia Military Institute and graduated in 1953 with a B.A. and LL.B. from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Raven Society and of St. Anthony Hall.

Early career Slaughter served in the United States Army in combat infantry from 1943 to 1947 and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Culpeper.

He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1958 to 1978, serving as a Democrat until 1974, when he became an independent. In the early 1960s, he supported "massive resistance" to court-ordered school integration. He was a member of the board of visitors of the University of Virginia from 1978 to 1982, where he also served as rector from 1980 to 1982. From 1981 to 1984 he served as aide to John Otho Marsh Jr., the Secretary of the Army.

Congressional career Slaughter was elected from the 7th congressional district of Virginia in 1984 as a Republican. He was reelected three more times. However, he resigned on November 5, 1991, due to a series of strokes. He died in Charlottesville, Virginia, on October 2, 1998.

Electoral history 1984; Slaughter was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 56.5% of the vote, defeating Democrat Lewis M. Costello and Independent R.E. Frazier. 1986; Slaughter was re-elected unopposed. 1988; Slaughter was re-elected unopposed. 1990; Slaughter was re-elected with 58.19% of the vote, defeating Democrat David M. Smith.