FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Longtime state lawmaker Mike Caputo says he won’t run again in 2024.
Caputo, D-Marion, is currently in his first term as a state senator after spending more than two decades in the House of Delegates.
“It has been truly humbling that the people of my region have shown such faith in me all these years, and I have been extremely proud to represent them,” Caputo said in a news release. “I intend to work hard for the 13th Senate District through the end of 2024, but then it’s time for me to close this chapter of my public service.”
Caputo was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1996 and was reelected 12 times before deciding to seek the senate seat in 2020.
Caputo worked for years as a union coal miner. He was active in his local and stood on many picket lines. He began working for the United Mine Workers Union in 1996.
UMWA President Cecil Roberts was one of those to praise Caputo Wednesday as part of his announcement not to seek reelection.
“His advocacy and leadership in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate meant that workers and their communities could always count on a strong voice on their side, and a strong commitment to their well-being,” Roberts said. “Mike’s constituents are much better off for his service. From improving and upgrading transportation, to creating new jobs, to protecting existing jobs, Mike Caputo put workers and families in North-Central West Virginia first – and he delivered for them.”
West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword also praised Caputo’s service.
“Mike Caputo’s support for working families over his legislative career is legendary. His voting record on our issues is 127 right and zero wrong, which means that every time working families needed a voice, Mike Caputo was there for them,” Sword said.
Caputo plans to serve out his full term in 2024.