John W. Douglass

John Wade Douglass

Douglass earned an associate of arts degree in 1961 and a bachelor of science degree in engineering in 1963, both from the University of Florida. He earned a master of science degree in industrial engineering from Texas Tech University in 1967 and a master of science degree in management science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1972. Douglass has done postgraduate work at the Cornell University Center for International Studies, where he was an Air Force research fellow with the peace studies program.

Military career

During his time at the University of Florida, he joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, and upon graduating, he joined the United States Air Force and was posted to Norton Air Force Base, where he worked as a production officer for the LGM-25C Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile.

In 2007, Douglass became President and CEO of The Douglass Aerospace Group. During the 2008 Presidential election campaign, Douglass was a member of President Obama's Aerospace and Defense Industry advisors group and campaigned on behalf of the President.

Congressional campaign

In March 2012, Douglass announced plans to re-file his Congressional campaign in the 5th District to challenge incumbent Republican Congressman Robert Hurt, after Virginia's Republican legislature redrew his home in Fauquier County out of the 10th District. On May 19, Douglass became the official Democratic nominee for United States Congress from Virginia's 5th District. Douglass lost the election to Hurt.

Personal life Douglass has three sons, one daughter, and two granddaughters. He and his wife, Susan, live in Hume, Virginia.

In the 2024 United States presidential election, Douglass endorsed Kamala Harris.