Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has picked Circuit Judge Donald Cookman to fill the 15th Senatorial District vacancy. Cookman takes over for Walt Helmick who resigned the Senate seat to assume his duties as Agriculture Commissioner.
Cookman, a Democrat, was chosen over two other candidates, former state Senators Mike Ross and Tom Hawse. Cookman currently serves as Chief Judge of the 22nd Judicial Circuit comprised of Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton Counties.
“Throughout his years on the bench, Judge Cookman has dedicated himself to the people of the 22nd Judicial Circuit and I’m confident as a State Senator he will continue to serve West Virginians well,” said Tomblin.