Patrick Martin, 31, of Jane Lew is set to be the West Virginia Senate’s youngest majority leader.
The incoming Senate president, Randy Smith of Preston County, has announced that Martin will be his wingman.
“Patrick is a bright and talented individual. I have said for a while that he is the hidden gem in our chamber and everyone is about to find out how gifted this young man is,” Smith said in the announcement.
“I have full confidence that he will no doubt be one of the most effective majority leaders in our state’s history.”
While Smith will typically preside over floor sessions from a dais, the majority leader regularly makes procedural motions. The majority leader also plays a big role on the Senate’s leadership team and promotes the majority party’s agenda.
Martin, R-Lewis, was elected to the Senate in 2020 and was re-elected this year, when he was unopposed in both the primary and the general. He served in the House of Delegates starting in 2017.
The Senate leadership is changing because the current president, Craig Blair of Berkeley County, was defeated in a primary election. So Blair is set to leave.
The Republican majority in the Senate met earlier this month and selected Smith to be the next president. He defeated two members of the outgoing leadership team, senators Tom Takubo and Eric Tarr.
Smith is now in line to be formally nominated and elected as president when the Senate gathers Jan. 8 for an organizational session.
Smith is likely to make significant changes across the leadership roles and committee chairs. Martin is the first that he has publicly announced.
“I am honored to serve under Randy Smith as he becomes Senate President and excited to work alongside all my colleagues in the Senate,” Senator Martin stated.
“Randy is a Godly man whose dedication to faith, family, and the people of West Virginia sets a strong example for us all. As the youngest Majority Leader in West Virginia Senate history, I’m eager to bring fresh energy to our work and help guide our state toward a brighter future.”