Ambassador Jim Gilmore: From the Popular Virginia Car Tax Reimbursements to Current Foreign Affairs

In this episode of  Early Returns, Jan Baran speaks with Former Virginia Governor and U.S. Ambassador, Jim Gilmore.  They discuss his career in public service, his rise in Republican politics with the popular Virginia car tax reimbursement, and staying true to his roots and passion for foreign affairs and policy. 

As Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), he has been close to the past and current struggles throughout the world that threaten democracy.  He believes it to be important for the U.S. to protect its allies to keep America strong and our democracy and people safe.

 
About Ambassador James S. Gilmore, III

James “Jim” S. Gilmore III is the former U.S. Ambassador to OSCE and former Governor of Virginia.

Ambassador Gilmore grew up in the Fan District of Richmond, Virginia. In 1971, he enlisted as a volunteer in the U.S. Army after college and worked as a counter-intelligence agent in then-West Germany after intensive language training in German, in which he became fluent. In 1974, he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Service to NATO. He graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) and earned a B.A. degree in International Relations, Russian Area Studies. He then earned his law degree at the UVA School of Law. 

Ambassador Gilmore practiced law until 1987 when he was elected as chief prosecutor for Henrico County. In 1993, he was elected Attorney General of Virginia. In 1997, he was elected as Virginia's 68th Governor. As governor, his administration established the first Secretary of Technology cabinet position in the nation. During his tenure, Gov. Gilmore was focused on creating jobs by leading several trade missions to: South America, Asia and Europe.  During the trade mission to Taiwan and Hong Kong, Gov. Gilmore promoted inward investment, opened new markets for Virginia products and services, and encouraged activity for Virginia's ports. Virginia exported $2.4 billion in products to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong in 1999. Collectively, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong invested over $4.3 billion in Virginia facilities, employing over 12,000 people during his administration.

Gov. Gilmore then ran for the GOP nomination for president from July 2015 to February 2016. In November 2018, he was nominated to serve as the U.S. Representative to the United States Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, a position which carries the rank of ambassador and is based in Vienna, Austria. He served until January 2021. Prior to his USOSCE Ambassadorship, he served as President and CEO of the American Opportunity Foundation, which works to shape the discussions around American society and offer conservative solutions that promise prosperity, national security, and American values.