Rockefeller, John Davison, IV (1937-…), was a member of the United States Senate from 1985 to 2015. Rockefeller, a Democrat, represented West Virginia. He served as West Virginia’s governor from 1977 until 1985.
Rockefeller was born in New York City on June 18, 1937. He is the son of John D. Rockefeller III (see Rockefeller, John D., III ). The younger Rockefeller graduated from Harvard University in 1961 and then worked for the Peace Corps and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). He was a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1967 to 1969 and West Virginia secretary of state from 1969 to 1973. He served as president of West Virginia Wesleyan College from 1973 until 1976, when he was elected governor of West Virginia. He took office as governor in 1977.
As a senator, Rockefeller supported efforts to expand access to education and affordable health care. He also became known for his work to support industries important to West Virginians. He served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. He also chaired the Health Care Subcommittee on Finance and served on the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Rockefeller did not seek reelection in 2014.
