CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Tom Takubo will be the new majority leader of the state Senate, President Mitch Carmichael announced today.
The position opened when the prior majority leader, Ryan Ferns, was defeated in the General Election.
Senator Takubo, a South Charleston resident who won re-election, was first elected to the Senate in 2014 when Republicans took the majority.
Takubo is a critical care specialist in the Kanawha Valley. He has been chairman of the Senate’s Health and Human Resources Committee.
The majority leader is second in command in the Senate, helping to set the agenda and helping to run floor sessions.
Carmichael, R-Jackson, said he intended to make an announcement later today but made it live on MetroNews’ “Talkline” when questioned this morning by host Hoppy Kercheval.
“He has a great grasp of the issues, of why we need to move West Virginia in a positive direction,” Carmichael said. “He gets along very well with all members of the Senate.”
Takubo has degrees from Marshall University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Takubo, in a statement put out by the Senate, expressed excitement about his new role.
“I’m honored that Senate President Carmichael has put his trust in me to lead the members of our caucus both on and off the Senate floor,” Takubo stated.
“Our state has come a long way in a short time, but now is not the time to let up. We must be relentless in our pursuit to make West Virginia a great place for families and businesses. I’m eager to get started on building our legislative agenda and hitting the ground running.”