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West Virginia Legislature

1st Session of the 87th Legislature

Tag: randysmith

Member Press Release

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

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Member Press Release

Senate President Randy Smith Names Leadership for Senate Committees for 87th Legislature

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, today announced leadership for all remaining Senate committees for the 2025 Regular Session.

For the 87th Legislature, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will be split into two separate committees. In addition, Senate President Smith has authorized the creation of the Select Committee on Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

“Our Senate committees focus on issues that touch the lives of every West Virginian,” Senate President Smith said. “I am lucky to have such a variety of members with vast experiences willing to step up and assume these roles, and I look forward to getting our hard work started.”

Committee leadership is as follows:

Energy, Industry and Mining

Chairman – Senator Chris Rose, R-Monongalia

Vice-Chairman – Senate Ben Queen, R-Harrison

Economic Development

Chairman – Senator Glenn Jeffries, R-Putnam

Vice-Chairman – Senator Robbie Morris, R-Randolph

Banking and Insurance

Chairman – Senator Mike Azinger, R-Wood

Vice-Chairman – Senator Robbie Morris, R-Randolph

Military

Chairman – Senator Ryan Weld, R-Brooke

Vice-Chairman – Senator Scott Fuller, R-Wayne

Transportation

Chairman – Senator Mark Maynard, R-Wayne

Vice-Chairman – Senator Jay Taylor, R-Taylor

Pensions

Chairman – Senator Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia

Agriculture

Chairman – Senator Craig Hart, R-Mingo

Vice-Chairman – Senator Darren Thorne, R-Hampshire

Natural Resources

Chairman – Senator Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur

Vice-Chairman – Senator Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier

Workforce

Chairman – Senator Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh

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

Confirmations

Chairman – Senator Donna Boley, R-Pleasants

Vice-Chairman – Senator Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio

Enrolled Bills

Chairman – Senator Jack David Woodrum, R-Summers

Vice-Chairman – Senator Scott Fuller, R-Wayne

Rules

Chairman – Senator Randy Smith, R-Preston

Vice-Chairman – Senator Patrick Martin, R-Lewis

Select Committee on Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Chairman – Senator Brian Helton, R-Fayette

Vice-Chairman – Senator Ryan Weld, R-Brooke

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate President-Elect Randy Smith Names Leadership for Senate Finance Committee

CHARLESTON – Senate President-elect Randy Smith, R-Preston, today announced the selection of Senator Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for the 87th Legislature, which begins on January 8, 2025.

Senator Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, will serve as Vice Chairman. Senate President-Elect Smith noted that his background and expertise will help provide a full perspective on the management of West Virginia’s budgeting and finance needs.

“The Finance Committee does some of the hardest work and heaviest lifting in the Legislature, and it’s a tough job,” Senator Smith said. “I knew I wanted a fresh set of eyes and a strong ability to work with all of our state agencies to take a hard look at our state’s revenues and expenses, and I am confident in Senator Barrett’s ability to take on this task.”

Senate President-elect Smith said that Senator Barrett’s experience as a job creator and small business owner and manager gives him the kind of experience he needs to ensure our state’s budget and finances maintain their health.

“As a person who signs the front of a paycheck, Senator Barrett knows that budgeting and operating within your means isn’t an option,” Senator Smith said. “As a person who is deeply involved in his community, he’s also aware of the critical needs our state has, especially when it comes to infrastructure. He will be able to bring both of these skill sets to the table and ensure West Virginia’s tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly.”

Senate President-elect Smith also said he looks forward to Senator Barrett continuing the work that outgoing Senate Finance Committee Chairman Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, has done during his service as Chairman.

“Senator Tarr did an outstanding job as our Finance Committee Chairman, and because of his vision, planning, and execution, we were able to secure record-breaking surpluses and provide historic personal income tax cuts to our citizens,” Senator Smith said. “I am grateful to him for his service and thank him for his leadership.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senator Jason Barrett Named Chairman of Finance Committee

CHARLESTON – Senator Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, said he is honored to be named Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for the 87th Legislature, which begins on January 8, 2025.

“I am grateful to Senate President-elect Smith for trusting me with this responsibility, and I will work every single day to ensure that we manage West Virginia’s taxpayer money with the respect it deserves,” Senator Barrett said. Senator Barrett is a small business owner in Berkeley County and serves on the Board of Directors of several organizations throughout the Eastern Panhandle. He was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2012 and elected to the Senate in 2022.

“Senate President-elect Smith has been a hard-working family man his entire life, and he knows what it means to have to balance a budget,” Senator Barrett said. “He has a strong sense of what our priorities must be to move West Virginia forward, and I am excited to help him bring that vision to life. We share the belief that we need to invest in our infrastructure and fix our state’s roads, and I am eager to get to work on addressing that need in the upcoming session.”

Senator Barrett said under Senate President-elect Smith’s guidance, he has confidence that West Virginia is poised for growth and success in the future.

“I’m excited to be a part of the leadership team that Senate President Smith is building, and I think West Virginians are really going to see the kind of meaningful financial stewardship that this state expects,” Senator Barrett said. “We look forward to working with Governor-elect Morrisey to make sure that our state’s budget is fiscally responsible and financially sound.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate President-Elect Randy Smith Names Leadership for Senate Judiciary Committee

CHARLESTON – Senate President-Elect Randy Smith, R-Preston, today announced the selection of Senator Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, a former United States Attorney under President Trump, as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the 87th Legislature, which begins on January 8, 2025.

Incoming Senator Tom Willis, R-Berkeley, will serve as Vice Chairman. Willis, an attorney from Hedgesville, is a Special Forces Green Beret veteran and Lieutenant Colonel in the West Virginia National Guard.

“We needed to find a leader who was not afraid to stand up for the people of West Virginia,” Senator Smith said. “It was a pretty easy choice considering the background Senator Stuart brings to the team. Not only has he served under President Trump, but he has taken on major issues like the opioid epidemic and has been a staunch advocate for transparency in our government.”

Senate President-elect Smith said Senator Stuart’s extensive experience in the legal field and a proven track record of dedication to his constituents makes him an ideal fit for the role. In addition, he said Senator Stuart’s ability to navigate complex legal matters and provide valuable leadership in shaping legislation that will positively impact the citizens of West Virginia will be critical in the upcoming session.

“The Chairman’s deep understanding of legal issues, coupled with a steadfast commitment to serving the public interest, makes him a natural choice for this crucial role,” Senator Smith said.

In assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Stuart will play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda and helping to reduce government overreach, ensuring that West Virginia citizens and businesses will face fewer barriers. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and cooperation, Senator Stuart will be committed to fostering a legislative environment where the voices of all West Virginians are heard and respected, Senate President-elect Smith said.

“I look forward to working closely with Chairman Stuart and Vice Chairman Willis to advance the welfare of the residents of West Virginia and uphold the values that define our great state,” Senator Smith said.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate President-Elect Randy Smith Pledges Commitment to West Virginians

CHARLESTON – In an exciting and surprising moment for the state of West Virginia, Senator Randy Smith, R-Preston, has been selected as the Republican caucus nominee for Senate President for the upcoming term.

Members of Senate will take their oaths of office on January 8, 2025, at which time they will officially elect Senator Smith as Senate President for the 87th Legislature.

With a strong record of fighting for the citizens of the state and a clear vision for the future, Senator Smith is set to lead West Virginia towards a brighter tomorrow.

After the process of being selected as the Senate President, Senator Smith expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this new capacity.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen as the Senate President for West Virginia,” Smith said. “I woke up this morning living the American Dream. As I begin the transition into leadership, I am committed to working tirelessly on behalf of all our citizens to advance policies that will improve our state and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.”

Senator Smith outlined his priorities for his tenure as Senate President, focusing on areas such as protecting West Virginian’s freedoms, economic development, commonsense social policies, and government reform. He emphasized the importance of unifying the Senate to work together to move West Virginia forward.

“Now is the time for unity and collaboration,” he said. “Together, we can address the challenges facing our state and build a stronger, more vibrant West Virginia.”

As he prepares to assume his new role, Senator Smith made his first move by choosing business leader Senator Patrick Martin, R-Lewis, to be his majority leader.

“Patrick is a bright and talented individual. I have said for a while that he is the hidden gem in our chamber and everyone is about to find out how gifted this young man is,” Senator Smith said. “I have full confidence that he will no doubt be one of the most effective Majority Leaders in our state’s history.”

Being tapped as the new Majority Leader, Senator Martin becomes the youngest Majority Leader to ever serve in that capacity.

“I am honored to serve under Randy Smith as he becomes Senate President and excited to work alongside all my colleagues in the Senate,” Senator Martin stated. “Randy is a Godly man whose dedication to faith, family, and the people of West Virginia sets a strong example for us all. As the youngest Majority Leader in West Virginia Senate history, I’m eager to bring fresh energy to our work and help guide our state toward a brighter future.”

Senator Smith wanted to publicly thank his colleagues for their support and pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to the people of West Virginia. “I am confident that by working together, we can achieve great things for our state,” he said.

Senator Smith will officially assume the position of Senate President on January 8. During this transition period, he will be building out the remainder of his leadership team. West Virginians can look forward to a time of stability and commitment to them under his leadership.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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