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West Virginia Legislature

1st Session of the 87th Legislature

Tag: senator

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

Delegate Darren Thorne Appointed to Fill Fifteenth District Vacancy


CHARLESTON – Governor Jim Justice has selected Delegate Darren Thorne, R-Hampshire, to fill the vacancy in the 15th Senatorial District. The 15th Senatorial District includes Hampshire and Morgan Counties and part of Berkeley County.

He replaces Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Trump, R-Morgan, who resigned earlier this month to begin his transition to serve as a newly elected justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

Delegate Thorne is a farmer who was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. He is a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Banking and Insurance, Economic Development and Tourism, and Education committees.

“I’m honored that Governor Justice has chosen me to be the next Senator from the 15th District,” Thorne said. “I have greatly enjoyed my time in the House of Delegates, and I look forward to serving both my current constituents in Hampshire County and my new constituents in Morgan and Berkeley counties in this new role. I look forward to this opportunity and working with Senate leadership to help move West Virginia forward.”

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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Member Press Release

Statement from Senate President Craig Blair on today’s press conference relating to Boone County investigation

“We’d like to thank the Governor’s Office, Department of Human Services Secretary Cynthia Persily, State Superintendent Michele Blatt, and Maj. Jim Mitchell from the West Virginia State Police for their efforts today to update the public and the media about this heartbreaking situation that occurred in Boone County.

What has become apparent above everything else is that this child was failed by her local network of safety nets. Through a series of circumstances, she became lost in the system, and she tragically lost her life. As Legislators, we have an obligation to protect our most vulnerable citizens, especially our children.

This case has highlighted that our current system of checks and balances has cracks. To that end, we will work with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Education, the Department of Human Services, and the State Police to discuss ways that we, legislatively, can improve our regulations related to homeschooled children to ensure that no children suffer this same outcome.

We encourage our colleagues in the House of Delegates to sit down with us as we start working toward these plans. We must act quickly to ensure that something of this magnitude doesn’t happen again.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Statement on Behalf of Senate President Craig Blair on passing of former Senator Bob Ashley

“I was shocked to learn of the passing of our former colleague and dear friend, Bob Ashley. Bob’s long and dedicated service to Roane County and the state of West Virginia is a testament to the love he had for this state and its people. That love, of course, was secondary to the love he had for his wife, sons, and grandchildren. On behalf of the Senate, we extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, and we will keep them in our prayers as they come together to remember this life well lived.” — Senate President Craig Blair (R-Berkeley)

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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