CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the 2022 Regular Legislative Session in the rear view mirror, many West Virginia lawmakers are looking ahead to this May’s Primary Election.
Some, on the other hand, are not running for re-election.
During the last night of the session Mar. 12, more than a dozen House of Delegates members gave farewell speeches on the House Floor.
Del. Brent Boggs (D-Braxton) said he’s leaving after serving for 26 years to take care of his parents.
“I’m 66 years old and still have both my parents. They’re still living in their own home,” he said. “You can’t say faith and family are the most important things if you don’t practice it.”
Boggs said it’s been a long ride.
“Twenty six years, that’s like 1,560 regular session days here in this chamber,” he said. “It’s been a lot, but it’s been very special and it’s something that is a great, great honor to have served with each and every one of you.”
Longtime Del. John Doyle (D-Jefferson) is leaving the House to run for the Jefferson County Commission.
Meanwhile, Del. Barbara Fleischauer (D-Monongalia) who has served in the House since 1994 is leaving to run for a seat in the state Senate.
“I have had a lot of accomplishments that I’m really proud of and I’ve also had in this super tiny, tiny, tiny minority have had some set backs and challenges. What I try to do, is to be principled. I think all need to try and do that as much as we can,” Fleischauer said.
In the Senate, members recognized Senator Mike Romano (D-Harrison), Senator Dave Sypolt (R-Preston) and others who are leaving.
Senator Mike Caputo (D-Marion) called Romano a friend and someone he looks up to.
“He has been my guiding light through these last two years. I am truly going to miss him,” Caputo said. “He’s always tried to give back. He’s always tried to make life better for everybody else, everything he does.”
Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo (R-Kanawha) said the Legislature would be “a mess” without Romano and Sypolt.
“These guys have such a breadth and depth of knowledge that it’s just not replaceable in just a few sessions,” Takubo said.
The Primary Election in West Virginia is May 10.