CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Democrats in the West Virginia state Senate and House of Delegates have re-elected their current leaders Saturday as the party moves into the minority role for the first time in more than 80 years. Senate Democrats chose current President Jeff Kessler (D-Marshall) to be their minority leader, while House Democrats chose current House Speaker Tim Miley (D-Harrison) to be their minority leader.
Sources said Kessler had no challengers and was chosen during the closed-door caucus in Charleston by acclamation, while the House Democrats caucused for over an hour before choosing Miley. There had been rumors in both the Senate and House of possible challenges, and Justin Marcum (D-Mingo) had announced a challenge to Miley.
The election last month put the Republicans in control of House with a 64-36 advantage. The Senate was tied 17-17 after the election, but a party switch by Senator Daniel Hall from Wyoming County gave the GOP an 18-16 edge. Senate Republicans are expected to choose Bill Cole (R-Mercer) as the president of the Senate, while current House Minority Leader Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) is expected to become House Speaker when the GOP caucuses Sunday.