The state Senate Democratic caucus will be relegated to the top two desks in the front row on the left side of the Senate president’s podium in 2025, with the Democratic caucus shrinking from three seats to two. (Photo by Steven Allen Adams)

CHARLESTON — Republicans first gained majorities in the West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates 10 years ago, after being in the political minority since the Great Depression. But fast forward to Tuesday night and the Republicans have increased their supermajorities. The 100-member House of Delegates went from 89 Republicans to 91 Republicans, shrinking the House Democratic caucus, according to a review of unofficial election results released by the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office. from 11 to nine members. Only 57 out of 100 seats were contested in Tuesday’s general election, with 43 seats uncontested. Of the 57 seats up for election, 41 incumbents – six Democratic House members and 35 Republican House members – won their elections. In the 34-member Senate, where half of the members are elected every two years, Republicans increased their supermajority from 31 to 32, with the Senate Democratic caucus shrinking from three seats to two. Senate Minority Whip Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, has decided to retire rather than seek re-election. Rep. Ric Griffith, D-Wayne, ran for the 5th Senate District seat, which includes parts of Cabell and Wayne counties. But Griffith, a pharmacist and former Kenova mayor, lost his race Tuesday to Republican Scott Fuller, a military veteran and retired law enforcement officer.
“We are recruiting a great new member in Scott Fuller,” said Senate Majority Whip Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, chairman of the Senate Military Committee. “Having another veteran come to the Senate to be able to serve and work on veterans’ issues with the rest of us who are veterans is a welcome opportunity. »
The Senate Democratic caucus is down to two: Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion. Garcia is a former staffer in Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s administration.
“I think we worked really hard and we tried to give people a message that I think really resonated. » Garcia said. “Every time you win an election – this is the third one I’ve won – it’s very humbling to have the trust of the people who send you to represent them. It’s really important for me to gain that trust.
“Many of us who were in the Senate or the House already knew Joey from his time in the Tomblin administration and know him to be a wise advocate and a good representative of his constituents,” Weld said. Garcia is leaving the House and succeeds Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, who has decided to retire at the end of his four-year term at the end of the year. Garcia was replaced by his uncle Rick Garcia, the Democratic candidate for the 76th House District seat, defeating Republican Jon Dodds. Garcia said he was honored to follow in the footsteps of Caputo, who once served as House majority whip.
“I have so much admiration for (Caputo) and I learned from him. He has been a mentor to me over the years. Garcia said. “I want to be the kind of representative he was. He answers people’s calls. He does a great job serving citizens, but he stands up for people.
The House Democratic caucus lost two seats it previously held. Republican Tresa Howell defeated Thomas Jones in the 52nd House District, representing parts of southern Kanawha County. The seat was occupied by Del. Larry Rowe, R-Kanawha, who chose to retire rather than seek re-election. Griffith’s 27th District seat was won by Republican Michael Amos, defeating Democratic opponent Gina Milum and Libertarian Party candidate Craig Carpenter. Rep. David Kelly, R-Tyler, was watching election results Tuesday night in Charleston with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. Kelly — who was unopposed in the general election — said Tuesday night’s election results, the number of uncontested races and the two Republican House runoffs were votes of confidence in the large Republican majority.
“The question we face is how can we better serve the people of our districts and, more importantly, the people of the state of West Virginia, and I think the people of West Virginia throw take a look at our platform and say this is what we like,” Kelly said.
“The example is that we have not lost any incumbent operator. We actually gained two additional Republican seats. Kelly continued. “This is a big responsibility for Republicans, but I believe we will rise to the occasion and continue to govern and legislate on important issues that the citizens of our state hope we will do something about.”
On the Senate side, Weld said getting an additional seat for the Republican caucus wouldn’t create big policy change. But adding the experiences of a new member to the body as a whole would provide a much-needed perspective when crafting legislation.
“From a strategic point of view, it doesn’t change much” Weld said. “At the tactical level, it changes in terms of the experience and knowledge that Scott brings and the talents that he brings to our caucus.”
During his tenure in the Tomblin administration, Garcia served as liaison between the executive branch and the Democratic-controlled legislature before Republicans took the majority after the 2014 elections. Garcia saw Democratic seats decline during the last decade.
“It’s a little sad in my opinion that we haven’t done better statewide,” Garcia said. “This was a tough election for Democrats everywhere – not just in West Virginia, but across the country. But that being said…I don’t think nine and two will be much different at all, truth be told.
Garcia said it will be important for Democratic lawmakers to stand up for their constituents and their party’s beliefs. But the key to being a good legislator – regardless of party – was building relationships with Republicans on the other side of the aisle.
“When it comes to how I think about how I’m a legislator, it’s really question by question. » Garcia said. “The reason I’m a Democrat is because we normally come to the same conclusions on bills. And I think it’s incumbent on us – and certainly in the Senate, with Senator Woelfel and me – to just work on those relationships. I know he does this, and I’ve been doing it for a long time too. And I think that will help us accomplish things for the people who live in our neighborhoods.
Weld and Kelly agreed. While Republicans will continue to benefit from procedural votes to pass legislation quickly, Weld and Kelly said relationships with Democratic lawmakers on the other side remain important.
“From my point of view, it never really matters where a good idea comes from.” Weld said. “If it’s something that a majority of the Senate thinks is a good idea, who cares if it came from someone who was on the minority or majority side? If it’s an idea that we can support and we think is good for the people of West Virginia, then let’s do it. And I think the Senate still works that way.
“If you look at Speaker Hanshaw, and if you just look at his history as president, he has always been willing to work with our Democratic counterparts when possible,” Kelly said. “Personally, I’m willing to do the same thing and have worked with them on legislation that we can both agree on.”
“We’re all there as senators or delegates, so you can’t just ignore someone because by doing that you’re ignoring their constituents,” The welding continued. “We are here to do the work of everyone, not just the people who voted for us or are affiliated with the same party.”
Steven Allen Adams can be reached at [email protected]