WHEELING, W.Va. — Longtime public servant and professional engineer David McKinley has passed away at the age of 79.
He graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Purdue University in 1970 and by 1981 he established McKinley Architecture and Engineering, a Wheeling company that was involved in nearly $3 billion in construction projects in the region.
His political career started in 1980 when he was elected to the House of Delegates and served the 3rd District for 14 years. From 1990 to 1994 he served as the chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party at a time when the GOP was a decided minority.
After an unsuccessful run for governor in 1996, he decided to run for Congress in 2010 and represented the northern portion of the state from 2011 to 2023. He became the first Republican to represent West Virginia’s 1st Congressional District seat in 42 years 2010 with a winning margin of less than 1,500 votes.
Admirers of his political career said he championed limited government, fiscal responsibility, the rights of working West Virginians, and the dignity of the coal industry that powered his state.
During his twelve years in Congress, McKinley was the lead sponsor on 29 bills that were signed into law. He served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he fought tirelessly for West Virginia’s energy workers and pushed back against what many called the war on coal.
“My allegiance during my 12 years in Congress was to my state,” he said near the end of his service.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary, four children, and several grandchildren.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., described McKinley as a fighter.
“Not only did David fight for his principles and the causes he believed in, but he also fought hardest for his cherished West Virginia. As a proud eighth generation West Virginian, he espoused the values that are so embedded in our state,” Capito said.
“His dedication and commitment to our coal miners was second to none, and as the only licensed engineer in Congress during his time in the House of Representatives, he brought thorough analysis to the legislative process.”
Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, also described sorrow at hearing of McKinley’s death.
“David devoted decades of his life to public service, representing West Virginia in the House of Delegates, leading the state Republican Party, and serving our people in the United States Congress,” Morrisey said.
State Treasurer Larry Pack, also a Republican, said West Virginia has lost a true statesman and patriot.
“Congressman McKinley laid the groundwork for the modern West Virginia Republican Party and always fought for our state’s values in the state Legislature and the United States Congress,” Pack said.
“I will treasure our many conversations over the years. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and will be truly missed.”