In her 11th term in Congress, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) is undeniably one of the most recognizable figures in the House Republican Conference — a stature achieved not by making waves through social media or bombastic stances, but through being a workhorse and a team player.
She is known for her toughness — but also has a soft side.
The 82-year-old Rules Committee chair sat down with The Hill for an interview that also included some rapid-fire questions.
Who is your political hero?
“Well, I will tell you that I have said that Mike Johnson should be nominated for sainthood,” Foxx said. “And I think President Trump’s being able to come back for a second term is fantastic.”
Best friend in Congress?
“I don’t know if I should reveal that. See, that’s one of those questions where you don’t know if it helps or hurts a person,” Foxx says.
“Let me answer you this way: It’s interesting, because I’m a rather outspoken person, I gravitate to getting to know some of the more quiet people around here. I try to go spend time with people that I think are smarter than I am, and know things that I don’t know.”
Here’s what one friend says:
“There’s only one Virginia Foxx,” said Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) “I think a lot of people see sometimes a rough exterior, but she’s got a huge heart inside. Very compassionate person. Cares about her job, cares about her staff and the people around her tremendously.”
Westerman recalled one of his first interactions with Foxx, waiting to depart for an event, when he attended freshman orientation years ago.
“It was a few minutes past that time, and this white-haired lady stood up and told the bus driver, ‘close the door and go,’” Westerman said. “And the bus driver closed the door and left. And my wife and I were there, and my wife said, ‘You better watch out for her.’”
But while Foxx is all business in Washington, Westerman found a funny contrast when he once visited Foxx’s home.
“You think of Virginia, this disciplinarian. Well, I go there, and this dog is bouncing over top of the couch,” Westerman said. “He was just like, the antithesis of what you think Virginia Foxx’s dog would be like.”
And here’s what a political adversary says:
“She’s a strong chair of the committee. And from a Republican perspective, I think she’s been an effective chair,” said House Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern (D-Mass.).
“In these marathon committee meetings we’ve had, she’s constantly in the chair,” McGovern said. “She’s tough, but I mean, she’s good at what she does.”
Favorite food in the Capitol?
“I like to eat, but it’s not top of mind for me. I drink a lot of coffee, though,” Foxx said.
Is that how you got through your 22-hour Rules Committee markup from the first House passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”?
“Actually, it’s not. I didn’t drink any coffee. I ate dark chocolate. And M&Ms,” Foxx said.
The large bag of M&Ms was still in Foxx’s office — she didn’t eat them all.
“[House Majority Leader] Steve Scalise said, ‘Shall I send you some Red Bull?’ And I said, ‘No, chocolate.’ I love chocolate, and dark chocolate especially, and so what I did was try to eat a little bit of dark chocolate.”
What do you make of the populist instincts bubbling up in the Republican Party with the rise of President Trump?
“I’m right there with them. Right there with them. I love being with the people. When you are out talking to average people, they’re very happy with what’s going on in the country right now,” Foxx said.
Do you have a favorite elevator?
“No,” Foxx said, laughing.
What makes you optimistic about the future?
“We live in the greatest country in the world. If you stop and think about how this country was formed —”
Foxx paused, tearing up.
“I get emotional about it, when I talk about it. Barefoot soldiers who were willing to risk their lives for freedom. We have the greatest opportunities to maintain that freedom, and we know a history. They didn’t have a history. They didn’t know how it was going to turn out.”
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