CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the state legislature chose their leaders for the next two years during closed door caucuses Sunday at the state capitol.
The official votes for House speaker, Senate president and other leaders will come on the first day of the 60-day regular session Jan. 11 before lawmakers break for a month to give Governor-elect Jim Justice, who will be sworn-in Jan. 16, time to put his administration in place. The regular session will resume on Feb. 8 with Justice’s first State of the State Address.
Senate Republicans chose Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) as the next president to replace Bill Cole who ran for governor. House Republicans chose Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) by acclamation for his second two-year term as Speaker.
West Virginia Republican Party Chair Conrad Lucas called Sunday a “proud day.” He said Armstead and Carmichael have “powered this team for decades, fighting for conservative changes in the face of oppressive numbers and Democrat failure.”
Sunday was also a day for celebration for newly elected members. Many, who are first time lawmakers, had family members with them for swearing-in ceremonies.
Lawmakers also began monthly interim committee meetings. Most of the meetings are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The Rule-Making Review Committee will meet Wednesday.