John Viola Explained

John Viola
State House:	Delaware
District:	26th
Term Start:	November 4, 1998
Term End:	November 4, 2020
Predecessor:	Richard F. Davis
Successor:	Madinah Wilson-Anton
Birth Date:	1 June 1950
Nationality:	American
Party:	Democratic
Children:	Andria Bennett
Residence:	Newark, Delaware
Alma Mater:	Goldey–Beacom College

John J. Viola (born June 1, 1950) is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives for District 26.^{[1] [2]} He was elected in 1998 after defeating incumbent Republican Richard F. Davis. He served as the majority whip in the House before he left the position and was replaced by John "Larry" Mitchell in 2019.^[3] His daughter, Andria Bennett, joined him in the House in 2012 after she was elected to replace her husband and Viola's son-in-law, Brad Bennett.^[4]

Viola earned an associate degree in business management from Goldey–Beacom College.

Electoral history

• In 1998, Viola challenged incumbent Republican Richard F. Davis and defeated him in the general election with 1,897 votes (51.3%).^[5]
• In 2000, Viola won the general election with 6,054 votes (74.0%) against Republican nominee John Megahan and Libertarian nominee Andrew Gregg.^[6]
• In 2002, Viola won the general election with 3,123 votes (95.9%) against Independent J. Oliver Lannak.^[7]
• In 2004, Viola was unopposed in the general election, winning 6,255 votes.^[8]
• In 2006, Viola won the Democratic primary with 381 votes (58.5%),^[9] and was unopposed in the general election, winning 3,795 votes.^[10]
• In 2008, Viola won the general election with 6,316 votes (79.9%) against Republican nominee Jeremy Filliben.^[11]
• In 2010, Viola won the general election with 4,819 votes (96.7%) against Republican nominee Hans-Erik Janco.^[12]
• In 2012, Viola was unopposed for the general election, winning 7,476 votes.^[13]
• In 2014, Viola was unopposed for the general election, winning 3,329 votes.^[14]
• In 2016, Viola was unopposed for the general election, winning 7,745 votes.^[15]
• In 2018, Viola won the general election with 5,417 votes (73.9%) against Republican nominee Justin Cruice.^[16]
• In 2020, Viola was defeated in the Democratic primary by challenger Madinah Wilson-Anton by a 42.7%-41.2% margin.^[17]

External links

• Official page at the Delaware General Assembly

Notes and References

1. Web site: Representative John J. Viola (D) . . . January 9, 2019.
2. Web site: John Viola's Biography . . November 12, 2013.
3. Web site: Legislators pick new caucus leaders . Matt . Bittle . November 8, 2018 . Delaware State News.
4. Web site: Wife Makes Bid To Take Over Delaware House Seat From Husband . Don . Rush . Delmarva Public Radio . July 11, 2012.
5. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 3, 1998 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
6. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 7, 2000 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
7. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 5, 2002 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
8. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 2, 2004 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
9. Web site: State of Delaware Primary Election Official Results . September 12, 2006 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
10. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 7, 2006 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
11. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 4, 2008 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
12. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 2, 2010 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
13. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 6, 2012 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . November 12, 2013.
14. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 7, 2014 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . January 9, 2019.
15. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 8, 2016 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . January 9, 2019.
16. Web site: State of Delaware General Election Official Results . November 6, 2018 . Delaware Department of Elections . Office of the State Election Commissioner . January 9, 2019.
17. Web site: State of Delaware Primary Election Official Results . September 15, 2020 . Delaware Commissioner of Elections . September 16, 2020.