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Stuart in as West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman

Willis replaces Weld as committee vice chairman

State Sen. Mike Stuart, seen here participating in a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting in March, will become the chairman of that committee in January. (Photo courtesy of WV Legislative Photography)

CHARLESTON — State Sen. Mike Stuart will become the next chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee with Judiciary Committee Vice Chairman Ryan Weld being replaced by incoming Sen. Tom Willis for 2025.

According to a press release Monday, Stuart, R-Kanawha, will take the gavel of the Judiciary Committee after Jan. 8 when the Senate elects Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee Chairman Randy Smith, R-Tucker, as the next Senate president.

Stuart, an attorney in private practice, was elected in 2022 to the newly redistricted 7th Senatorial District representing Lincoln, Boone, Logan counties and southern Kanawha counties.

Previously, Stuart was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia from 2018 to 2021. He was appointed by former president Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

“We needed to find a leader who was not afraid to stand up for the people of West Virginia,” Smith said. “It was a pretty easy choice considering the background Sen. 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.”

Earlier this year, Stuart ran for attorney general to succeed current Attorney General and Governor-Elect Patrick Morrisey, but lost the primary race for attorney attorney J.B. McCuskey, outgoing state auditor.

Stuart will succeed former Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Trump, who resigned earlier this month as he prepares to take a seat on the West Virginia Supreme Court. Trump chaired the committee, considered one of the two major Senate committees, since 2015.

In his statement, Smith said Stuart’s legal background makes him ideal to chair the Judiciary Committee and provide guidance on crafting legislation that can stand up to legal scrutiny.

“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,” Smith said.

Speaking Monday morning with Hoppy Kercheval on WV MetroNews Talkline, Stuart said he would use his chairmanship to listen to the will of his fellow Republican lawmakers.

“I think it is an incredibly important position and its one that really advances the will of the caucus,” Stuart said. “I’m looking forward to serving. I want to thank Senate President-Elect Randy Smith and the leadership team for having confidence in me serve in this role.”

Willis, a freshman senator and a Republican from Berkeley County, is an attorney in private practice in Hedgesville and a lieutenant colonel in the West Virginia National Guard. He defeated incumbent Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, in the May GOP primary.

“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,” Smith said.

Steven Allen Adams can be reached at sadams@newsandsentinel.com.

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