HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Three-term State Senator Mike Woelfel says he will not seek reelection this year.
Woelfel, D-Cabell, who serves as Senate Minority Leader, told MetroNews this 60-day regular session will be his last.
“I believe in term limits and I offer a bill for term limits each session, I just feel like it’s time to turn the page and give someone else an opportunity,” Woelfel said.
Woelfel and Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, are the only Democrats in the 34-member Senate. He said that’s had its disadvantages and advantages.
“The minority position gives you sort of a free range to not be part of a group where you are expected to air your grievances in caucus and then be docile while on the floor,” Woelfel said.
Woelfel has been in the minority since he began in the Senate nearly a dozen years ago. He said he’s enjoyed the process and is looking forward to the upcoming session.
“The social issues (of last session) were meant to, I think, divide us and distract us and did that and I’m hopeful that everybody can pull in the same direction, vet economic development and debate it,” Woelfel said.
He said he’ll continue to push legislation in favor of the 6,000 children in foster care in West Virginia.
“They are in their situation through no fault of their own and our system is broken and we’ve failed them. That will be a priority,” Woelfel said.
The 2026 candidate filing period begins Monday. The 60-day regular legislative session begins next Wednesday.