[3] Although he faced no opponent in 2007, and easily defeated Democrat David Meade Bernard in 2011, in November 2014, Watkins announced that he would not run for re-election in 2016.

He cited wanting to spend more time with his grandchildren as well as new ethics laws following the conviction of former Governor Bob McDonnell.

Watkins owns a nursery, land along Virginia Route 288 coveted by developers (for a shopping mall, among other things) and is Chairman of the Board of Essex Bank.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch noted that Watkins was also considered a maverick, more liberal than many in his party.

[5] In a hotly contested race to succeed him in the 10th District, Republican Glen Sturtevant defeated Democrat Daniel Gecker.