CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Senator Mitch Carmichael is expected to be chosen by fellow Republicans as the next Senate president in a closed door caucus Sunday at the state capitol.
There are now 22 Republicans in the 34-member Senate. Carmichael (R-Jackson) garnered commitments from enough of the GOP members in the days after the Nov. 8 General Election. Sen. Ed Gaunch (R-Kanawha) also had support but withdrew his name from consideration.
House Republicans will also caucus Sunday with House Speaker Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) expected to be the chosen once again. Republicans will have a 63-37 majority when the regular session begins next year.
Democrats in the Senate and House are scheduled to caucus Sunday with Sen. Roman Prezioso (D-Marion) and Del. Tim Miley (D-Harrison) expected to win positions of minority leaders.
The official votes on all of the positions will come on the first day of the session Jan. 11. After those votes, lawmakers will recess until Feb. 8 to allow Governor-elect Jim Justice to be sworn-in and begin his administration. Justice will be sworn-in Jan. 16 and deliver his State of the State Address on Feb. 8.
Newly elected members of the legislature will take part in ceremonial swearing-in ceremonies Sunday afternoon. Sunday also marks the beginning of three days of legislative interim committee meetings. There are only a handful of meetings scheduled for Sunday.