Senate President Randy Smith Names Leadership Team, Major Committee Chairmen for 87th Legislature

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, today announced his leadership team and Major Committee chairmen and vice-chairmen for the upcoming 2025 Regular Session. The newly chosen leadership team assumed their responsibilities upon being sworn in on January 8.

Senator Patrick Martin, R-Lewis, will serve as Majority Leader. He represents the 12th Senatorial District and was first elected to the Senate in 2020. He previously served two terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Senator Jay Taylor, R-Taylor, will serve as Majority Whip. He represents the 14th Senatorial District and was elected to the Senate in 2022.

“I’m proud of the team we have put together for the upcoming session,” Senate President Smith said. “I knew that I wanted fresh perspectives and a new approach to how we work as a team to address the challenges that are facing West Virginia. Each one of our committee chairmen and vice chairmen brings a unique perspective to the table, and I am very excited about the work that we will accomplish together.”

Major committee leadership is as follows:

Finance

Chairman – Senator Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley

Vice-Chairman – Senator Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh

Judiciary

Chairman – Senator Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha

Vice-Chairman – Senator Tom Willis, R-Berkeley

Education

Chairman – Senator Amy Nichole Grady, R-Mason

Vice-Chairman – Senator Charles Clements, R-Wetzel

Health and Human Resources

Chairman – Senator Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio

Vice-Chairman – Senator Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier

Government Organization

Chairman – Senator Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson

Vice-Chairman – Senator Jack David Woodrum, R-Summers

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999