CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Mark Drennan was sworn in Monday as the next senator to represent the 4th District in the West Virginia Senate, officially replacing former Senator Mike Hall at the post.
Hall was appointed last month as the chief of staff of Gov. Jim Justice and his administration.
Drennan, whose swearing-in ceremony was held at the state Capitol, said one of his goals in office will be helping the Legislature pass policies to grow the state’s economy.
“We don’t only need people to move to West Virginia to bring jobs, we need people here. We need tourists,” he said. “We’ve got to be healthy as West Virginians, and hopefully we can help make that happen.”
Drennan also serves as executive director of the West Virginia Behavioral Health Care Providers Association, an organization that represents mental health, children and addiction services across the state.
Drennan will serve on the following Senate committees:
— Banking and Insurance;
— Economic Development;
— Education;
— Energy, Industry and Mining; and
— Finance.
Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, who shares the district with Drennan, said the two will work closely together.
“Sen. Drennan will do an incredible job,” he said. “He has a big background in helping those overcome addictions and opioids and other problems, so I think that’ll bring a valuable component to the Legislature.”
Drennan’s term will expire at the end of December 2018. He said he will run for re-election next year.
MetroNews affiliate WMOV Radio in Ravenswood contributed to this report.