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| insigniasize = 110px | insigniasize = 110px
| insigniacaption = Seal of the governor | insigniacaption = Seal of the governor
| image = Jim Justice in November 2021.jpg | image = File:Jim_Justice_Rock_Branch_Elementary_2023.jpg
| imagesize = 200px | imagesize = 200px
| incumbent = ] | incumbent = ]
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| formation = June 20, 1863 | formation = June 20, 1863
| inaugural = ] | inaugural = ]
| salary = $150,000 (2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://knowledgecenter.csg.org/kc/content/csg-releases-2013-governor-salaries |title=CSG Releases 2013 Governor Salaries |publisher=The Council of State Governments |date=June 25, 2013 |access-date=November 23, 2014 }}</ref> | salary = $150,000 (2022)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bookofthestates.org/tables/selected-state-administrative-officials-annual-salaries/ |title=Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries |publisher=The Council of State Governments |access-date=August 8, 2024}}</ref>
| website = | website = {{URL|governor.wv.gov}}
}} }}


The '''governor of West Virginia''' is the ] of ]<ref name="wvc7-5">WV Constitution article VII, § 5.</ref> and the commander-in-chief of the ]'s ].<ref name="wvc7-12">WV Constitution article VII, § 12.</ref> The governor has a duty to enforce state laws,<ref name="wvc7-5" /> and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the ],<ref>WV Constitution article VII, § 14.</ref> to convene the legislature at any time,<ref>WV Constitution article VI, § 18–19.</ref> and, except when prosecution has been carried out by the ], to grant ]s and ].<ref>WV Constitution article VII, § 11.</ref> The '''governor of West Virginia''' is the ] of ]<ref name="wvc7-5">WV Constitution article VII, § 5.</ref> and the commander-in-chief of the ]'s ].<ref name="wvc7-12">WV Constitution article VII, § 12.</ref> The governor has a duty to enforce state laws,<ref name="wvc7-5" /> and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the ],<ref>WV Constitution article VII, § 14.</ref> to convene the legislature at any time,<ref>WV Constitution article VI, § 18–19.</ref> and, except when prosecution has been carried out by the ], to grant ]s and ].<ref>WV Constitution article VII, § 11.</ref>


Since West Virginia was ] on June 20, 1863, during the ], 34 men have served as governor. Two, ] (West Virginia's 28th and 30th governors) and ] (West Virginia's 25th and 32nd governors), served two nonconsecutive terms in office. The longest-serving governor was Moore, who served for three terms over twelve years. The state's first governor after admission into the Union, ], served the most consecutive terms, resigning a week before the end of his third term. Before the state's admission, ], the, "Father of West Virginia,"<ref name="theintelligencer.net">{{Cite web |url=http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/586708/Francis-Harrison-Pierpont---Father-of-West-Virginia-.html?nav=6322 |title=Francis Harrison Pierpont: 'Father of West Virginia' - News, Sports, Jobs - the Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register |access-date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817060544/http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/586708/Francis-Harrison-Pierpont---Father-of-West-Virginia-.html?nav=6322 |archive-date=August 17, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> was elected governor during the ] of 1861. ] was senate president at the time; he filled the last seven days of Boreman's term and remains the shortest-serving governor. Underwood has the unusual distinction of being both the youngest person to be elected as governor (age 34 upon his first term in 1957) and the oldest to both be elected and serve (age 74 upon his second term in 1997; age 78 at the end of his second term in 2001). Since West Virginia was ] on June 20, 1863, during the ], 34 men have served as governor. Two, ] (West Virginia's 28th and 30th governor) and ] (West Virginia's 25th and 32nd governor), served two nonconsecutive terms in office. The longest-serving governor was Moore, who served for three terms over twelve years. The state's first governor after admission into the Union, ], served the most consecutive terms, resigning a week before the end of his third term. Before the state's admission, ], the "Father of West Virginia,"<ref name="theintelligencer.net">{{Cite news |last=Compston-Strough |first=Jennifer |date=2013-06-20 |title=Francis Harrison Pierpont: 'Father of West Virginia' |work=The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register |url=http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/586708/Francis-Harrison-Pierpont---Father-of-West-Virginia-.html?nav=6322 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817060544/http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/586708/Francis-Harrison-Pierpont---Father-of-West-Virginia-.html?nav=6322 |archive-date=August 17, 2013}}</ref> was elected governor during the ] of 1861. ] was senate president at the time; he filled the last seven days of Boreman's term and remains the shortest-serving governor. Underwood has the unusual distinction of being both the youngest person to be elected as governor (age 34 upon his first term in 1957) and the oldest to both be elected and serve (age 74 upon his second term in 1997; age 78 at the end of his second term in 2001).


The current governor is ] ], who assumed office on January 16, 2017. West Virginia's 36th governor, Justice was elected as a ], but switched to the Republican Party on August 4 of that year.<ref name="JusticeSwitches">{{cite news |title=West Virginia Governor to Switch from Democrat to Republican |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/03/us/politics/west-virginia-governor-to-switch-from-democrat-to-republican-trump.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share |newspaper=New York Times |date=August 3, 2017 |access-date=August 3, 2017}}</ref> The current governor is ] ], who assumed office on January 16, 2017. West Virginia's 36th governor, Justice was elected as a ], but switched to the Republican Party on August 4 of that year.<ref name="JusticeSwitches">{{Cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |last2=Martin |first2=Jonathan |date=August 3, 2017 |title=West Virginia Governor to Switch from Democrat to Republican |work=New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/03/us/politics/west-virginia-governor-to-switch-from-democrat-to-republican-trump.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share |access-date=August 3, 2017}}</ref>


To serve as governor, a person must be at least 30 years old, and must have been a citizen of West Virginia for at least five years at the time of inauguration.<ref name="wvc7-1">WV Constitution article VII, § 1.</ref> Under the current ], ratified in 1872, the governor serves a four-year term commencing on the third Wednesday in January, following an election.<ref name="wvc7-1" /> The original constitution of 1863 only called for a two-year term.<ref>WV 1863 Constitution article V, § 1.</ref> He may be reelected any number of times, but not more than twice in a row.<ref name=wvc7-4>WV Constitution, Article VII, section 4.</ref> Any partial term served counts toward the limit of two consecutive terms.<ref name=wvc7-4/> To serve as governor, a person must be at least 30 years old, and must have been a citizen of West Virginia for at least five years at the time of inauguration.<ref name="wvc7-1">WV Constitution article VII, § 1.</ref> Under the current ], ratified in 1872, the governor serves a four-year term commencing on the third Wednesday in January, following an election.<ref name="wvc7-1" /> The original constitution of 1863 only called for a two-year term.<ref>WV 1863 Constitution article V, § 1.</ref> Since 1968, a governor may be reelected any number of times, but not more than twice in a row.<ref name="wvc7-4">WV Constitution, Article VII, section 4.</ref> Any partial term served counts toward the limit of two consecutive terms.<ref name=wvc7-4/>


The constitution makes no mention of a ]; if the governorship becomes vacant, the ] acts as governor. If more than one year remains in the governor's term at the time of vacancy, a new election is held; otherwise, the senate president acts as governor for the remainder of the term.<ref name="const 7-16">WV Constitution article VII, § 16.</ref> A bill passed in 2000 grants the senate president the honorary title of lieutenant governor,<ref name="legis.state.wv.us">{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2000_SESSIONS/RS/Bills/hb4781%20enr.htm |title=H.B. 4781 (Enrolled March 11, 2009) |publisher=West Virginia Legislature, 2000 Sessions |access-date=August 16, 2009}}</ref> but this title is rarely used in practice and the terms of the senate president do not correspond with governorships. The same bill states that the line of succession after the senate president will be the speaker of the ], followed by the state attorney general, the state auditor and former governors, in inverse order of term, that are in residence in the state at the time of the vacancy.<ref name="legis.state.wv.us"/> The constitution makes no mention of a ]; if the governorship becomes vacant, the ] stands first in the line of succession. If more than one year remains in the governor's term at the time of vacancy, a new election is held for the balance of the term. If less than a year remains, the senate president acts as governor for the remainder of the term.<ref name="const 7-16">WV Constitution article VII, § 16.</ref> A bill passed in 2000 grants the senate president the honorary title of lieutenant governor,<ref name="legis.state.wv.us">{{Cite web |title=H.B. 4781 (Enrolled March 11, 2009) |url=http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2000_SESSIONS/RS/Bills/hb4781%20enr.htm |access-date=August 16, 2009 |publisher=West Virginia Legislature, 2000 Sessions}}</ref> but this title is rarely used in practice and the terms of the senate president do not correspond with governorships. The same bill states that the line of succession after the senate president will be the speaker of the ], followed by the state attorney general, the state auditor and former governors, in inverse order of term, that are in residence in the state at the time of the vacancy.<ref name="legis.state.wv.us" />


==Qualifications== ==Qualifications==
Anyone who seeks to be elected Governor of West Virginia must meet the following qualifications:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Governor_of_West Virginia|title = Governor of West Virginia}}</ref> Anyone who seeks to be elected Governor of West Virginia must meet the following qualifications:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Governor of West Virginia |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Governor_of_West_Virginia}}</ref>
*Be a citizen of the United States *Be a citizen of the United States
*Be a resident of West Virginia for at least five years preceding the election *Be a resident of West Virginia for at least five years preceding the election
*Be a duly qualified elector of West Virginia *Be a duly qualified elector of West Virginia
*Be at least 30 years old *Be at least 30 years old
==List of governors==
{{for|a list of governors who served the region before West Virginia became a state|List of governors of Virginia}}


==Governors==
The following list is based on that contained in the ''West Virginia Blue Book'', the official guide to West Virginia state government.<ref>{{cite book | last1=West Virginia Legislature | editor=Lee Cassis, Clerk of the West Virginia Senate | year=2017 | title=West Virginia Blue Book, 2017–2018 | pages=328, 329 | publisher=West Virginia Senate Clerk's Office | location=Charleston, West Virginia | url=https://www.wvlegislature.gov/educational/publications.cfm | access-date=November 16, 2022}}.</ref>


{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
; Parties
|+ Governors of the State of West Virginia
{{legend2|{{party color|Democratic Party (US)}}|] (21)|border=1px solid #aaaaaa}}
!scope="col" data-sort-type="number"|{{abbr|No.|Number}}
{{legend2|{{party color|People's Independent Party}}|] (1)|border=1px solid #aaaaaa}}
!scope="colgroup" colspan="3"|Governor
{{legend2|{{party color|Republican Party (US)}}|] (16)|border=1px solid #aaaaaa}}
!scope="col"|Term in office

!scope="col"|Party
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!scope="col"|Election
|+{{sronly|Governors}}
|- style="height:2em;"
!scope=col| #
!rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|1
!scope=colgroup colspan=3 |Governor
|rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Boreman, Arthur"|]
!scope=col| Party
|rowspan="5" style="background:{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|&nbsp;
!scope=col| Term in office
|rowspan="3"|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1823–1896)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1691–1692}}<ref name="nga-boreman">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Arthur Ingraham Boreman |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/arthur-ingraham-boreman/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
!scope=col| Time in office
|rowspan="3"|{{dts|June 20, 1863}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1863-06-22 |title=none |page=1 |work=Alexandria Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/alexandria-gazette-boreman-inaugurated-j/128619275/ |access-date=2023-07-21 | quote=Hon. A. J. Boreman was on Saturday inaugurated as the first Governor of West Virginia.}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>February 26, 1869<br>{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Boreman resigned, having been ] to the ].{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1691–1692}}}}
!scope=col| Election
|rowspan="3"|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|-
!scope=rowgroup rowspan=3|1
|rowspan=3|]
|rowspan=3 bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |&nbsp;
|rowspan=3|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; July 24, 1823 – April 19, 1896&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 72)</small>
|rowspan=3|]
|rowspan=3|June 20, 1863<br/>&ndash;<br/>February 26, 1869<br>{{efn|Resigned to run for the ], winning election.<ref name="boreman">{{cite web |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B000638 |title=Boreman, Arthur Ingram |work=] |publisher=Clerk of the United States House of Representatives and Historian of the United States Senate |access-date=August 16, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.wvculture.org/history/boreman.html
|access-date=November 23, 2013
|title=Arthur Ingram Boreman
|publisher=West Virginia Division of Culture and History
|location=Charleston, West Virginia
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005952/http://www.wvculture.org/history/boreman.html
|archive-date=December 3, 2013
}}</ref>}}
|rowspan=3|5 years, 8 months
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |2 !scope="row"|2
|] |data-sort-value="Farnsworth, Daniel"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1819–1892)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1692}}<ref name="nga-farnsworth">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Daniel Duane Tompkins Farnsworth |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/daniel-duane-tompkins-farnsworth/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|February 26, 1869}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1869-02-27 |title=Sworn In |page=4 |work=The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wheeling-daily-intelligencer-darnswo/128619353/ |access-date=2023-07-21}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1869<br>{{small|(successor took office)}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; December 23, 1819 – December 5, 1892&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 72)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|President of<br />the Senate<br>acting}}
|February 26, 1869<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1869
|- style="height:2em;"
|6 days
!scope="row"|3
|bgcolor="#EEEEEE"|<small>President of<br />the Senate<br />acting as<br />Governor<br></small>{{efn|As president of the state senate, filled unexpired term.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=07fff35df39b7010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD |title=West Virginia Governor Daniel Duane Tompkins Farnsworth |publisher=National Governors Association |access-date=August 18, 2009
|data-sort-value="Stevenson, William"|]
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109101157/http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=07fff35df39b7010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1820–1883)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1692–1693}}<ref name="nga-stevenson">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=William Erskine Stevenson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-erskine-stevenson/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|archive-date=2011-01-09}}</ref>}}
|{{dts|March 4, 1869}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1869-03-05 |title=Inauguration of State Officers |page=3 |work=The Wheeling Daily Register |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wheeling-daily-register-stevenson-in/128619622/ |access-date=2023-07-21}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1871<br>{{small|(lost election)}}
|-
|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
!scope=row |3
|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; March 18, 1820 – November 29, 1883&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 63)</small>
|]
|March 4, 1869<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1871
|2 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=rowgroup rowspan=2 |4 !rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|4
|rowspan=2 |] |rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Jacob, John"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} | |style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|
|rowspan=2 |]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; December 9, 1829 – November 24, 1893&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 63)</small> |rowspan="2"|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1829–1893)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1693–1694}}<ref name="nga-jacob">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=John Jeremiah Jacob |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-jeremiah-jacob/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|March 4, 1871}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1871-03-06 |title=Inauguration of Governor Jacob |page=1 |work=The Wheeling Daily Register |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wheeling-daily-register-jacob-inaugu/128619714/ |access-date=2023-07-21}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1877<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|Under the 1872 constitution, governors were ineligible for four years after the end of their term.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1872 W.Va. Const. art. VII, § 4 |url=http://www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu/Search/results.aspx?srch=1&state=%27WV%27&CID=230&art=7&sec=4&amd=&key=&Yr= |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu}}</ref>|name=limits-1872}}
|]{{efn|Jacob was elected as a Democrat for his first term.}}
|]{{sfn|Glashan|1979|p=334}}
|rowspan=2 |March 4, 1871<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1877
|rowspan=2 |6 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
|bgcolor={{party color|People's Independent Party}} | |style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|People's Independent Party}};"|
|People's<br>Independent{{sfn|Glashan|1979|p=334}}
|]{{efn|Jacob was re-elected as an independent for his second term.}}
|]<br>{{efn|Jacob's second term was under the 1872 constitution, which increased term lengths from two to four years.}} |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |5 !scope="row"|5
|] |data-sort-value="Mathews, Henry"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="5" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1834–1884)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1694}}<ref name="nga-mathews">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Henry Mason Mathews |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/henry-mason-mathews/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; March 29, 1834 – April 28, 1884&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 50)</small>
|{{dts|March 4, 1877}}{{efn|The constitutional start date of the gubernatorial term was March 4, with no requirement for an oath; Mathews was not sworn in until March 5, presumably because March 4 was a Sunday.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1877-03-06 |title=Gubernatorial |page=4 |work=The Wheeling Daily Register |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wheeling-daily-register-mathews-swor/128619975/ |access-date=2023-07-21}}</ref>}}<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1881<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]
|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1877<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1881
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |6 !scope="row"|6
|] |data-sort-value="Jackson, Jacob"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1829–1893)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1695}}<ref name="nga-jackson">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Jacob Beeson Jackson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/jacob-beeson-jackson/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1881}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1881-03-05 |title=The New Regime |page=4 |work=The Daily Register |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-register-jackson-inaugurated-m/128632902/ |access-date=2023-07-21}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1885<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; April 6, 1829 – December 11, 1893&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 64)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1881<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1885
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |7 !scope="row"|7
|] |data-sort-value="Wilson, Emanuel"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1844–1905)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1695–1696}}<ref name="nga-wilson">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Emanuel Willis Wilson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/emanuel-willis-wilson/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1885}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1885-03-05 |title=The New Governor |page=4 |work=The Daily Register |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-register-wilson-inaugurated-ma/128634029/ |access-date=2023-07-21}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>February 6, 1890<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|The 1888 election was disputed, {{efn|name=limits-1872}}and Wilson remained as governor until the investigation was complete.{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1695–1696}}}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; August 11, 1844 – May 28, 1905&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 60)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1885<br/>&ndash;<br/>February 6, 1890<br>{{efn|Did not run for re-election in 1888, but due to the election being disputed, remained in office until the investigation was completed.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=b161f35df39b7010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD
|title=West Virginia Governor Emanuel Willis Wilson |publisher=National Governors Association
|access-date=August 18, 2009 |archive-date=2009-10-20
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091020051244/http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=b161f35df39b7010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wvculture.org/history/ewwilson.html |access-date=November 23, 2013 |title=Emanuel Willis Wilson |publisher=West Virginia Division of Culture and History |location=Charleston, West Virginia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223420/http://www.wvculture.org/history/ewwilson.html |archive-date=December 2, 2013 }}</ref>}}
|4 years, 11 months
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |8 !scope="row"|8
|] |data-sort-value="Fleming, Aretas"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1839–1923)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1696–1697}}<ref name="nga-fleming">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Aretas Brooks Fleming |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/aretas-brooks-fleming/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|February 6, 1890}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1890-02-07 |title=Inaugurated |page=1 |work=The Daily Register |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-register-fleming-inaugurated-f/128634279/ |access-date=2023-07-21}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1893<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; October 15, 1839 – October 13, 1923&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 83)</small><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wvculture.org/history/fleming.html |access-date=November 23, 2013 |title=Aretas Brooks Fleming |publisher=West Virginia Division of Culture and History |location=Charleston, West Virginia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012142/http://www.wvculture.org/history/fleming.html |archive-date=December 3, 2013 }}</ref>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|February 6, 1890<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1893
|3 years, 1 months
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |9 !scope="row"|9
|] |data-sort-value="MacCorkle, William"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1857–1930)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1697}}<ref name="nga-maccorkle">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=William Alexander MacCorkle |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-alexander-maccorkle/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1893}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1893-03-05 |title=Governor M'Corkle |page=5 |work=Wheeling Sunday Register |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/wheeling-sunday-register-maccorkle-inaug/128635407/ |access-date=2023-07-21}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1897<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; May 7, 1857 – September 24, 1930&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 73)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1893<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1897
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |10 !scope="row"|10
|] |data-sort-value="Atkinson, George"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="5" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1845–1925)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1697–1698}}<ref name="nga-atkinson">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=George Wesley Atkinson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/george-wesley-atkinson/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; June 29, 1845 – April 4, 1925&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 79)</small>
|{{dts|March 4, 1897}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1897-03-05 |title=There Are Others |page=1 |work=The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wheeling-daily-intelligencer-atkinso/128651790/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1901<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]
|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1897<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1901
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |11 !scope="row"|11
|] |data-sort-value="White, Albert"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1856–1941)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1698–1699}}<ref name="nga-white">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Albert Blakeslee White |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/albert-blakeslee-white/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1901}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1901-03-09 |title=Inauguration of Gov. A. B. White |page=2 |work=Martinsburg Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsburg-herald-white-inaugurated-mar/128651904/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1905<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; September 22, 1856 – July 3, 1941&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 85)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1901<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1905
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |12 !scope="row"|12
|] |data-sort-value="Dawson, William"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1853–1916)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1699–1700}}<ref name="nga-dawson">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=William M.O. Dawson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-m-o-dawson/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1905}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1905-03-04 |title=Governor Dawson |page=1 |work=The Fairmont West Virginian |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fairmont-west-virginian-dawson-inaug/128652095/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1909<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; May 21, 1853 – March 12, 1916&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 62)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1905<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1909
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |13 !scope="row"|13
|] |data-sort-value="Glasscock, William"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1862–1925)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1700}}<ref name="nga-glasscock">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=William E. Glasscock |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-e-glasscock/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1909}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1909-03-04 |title=State's New Governor |page=4 |work=The Daily Telegram |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegram-glasscock-inaugurated/128652128/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1913<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; December 13, 1862 – April 12, 1925&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 62)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1909<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 14, 1913
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |14 !scope="row"|14
|] |data-sort-value="Hatfield, Henry"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1875–1962)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1701–1702}}<ref name="nga-hatfield">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Henry Drury Hatfield |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/henry-drury-hatfield/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1913}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1913-03-04 |title=Hon. Henry D. Hatfield Is Inaugurated Governor |page=1 |work=The Fairmont West Virginian |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fairmont-west-virginian-hatfield-ina/128652209/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1917<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; September 15, 1875 – October 23, 1962&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 87)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 14, 1913<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 5, 1917
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |15 !scope="row"|15
|] |data-sort-value="Cornwell, John"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} | |style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1867–1953)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1702–1703}}<ref name="nga-cornwell">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=John Jacob Cornwell |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-jacob-cornwell/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; July 11, 1867 – September 8, 1953&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 86)</small>
|{{dts|March 4, 1917}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1917-03-05 |title=Cornwell Takes Oath on Sunday |page=7 |work=The Birmingham News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-news-cornwell-inaugurated/128652369/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1921<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]
|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 5, 1917<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1921
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |16 !scope="row"|16
|] |data-sort-value="Morgan, Ephraim"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="3" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1869–1950)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1703}}<ref name="nga-morgan">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Ephraim Franklin Morgan |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/__trashed-3/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; January 16, 1869 – January 15, 1950&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 80)</small>
|{{dts|March 4, 1921}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1921-03-11 |title=Judge Morgan Inaugurated |page=1 |work=Greenbrier Independent |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/greenbrier-independent-morgan-inaugurate/128652408/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1925<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]
|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1921<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1925
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |17 !scope="row"|17
|] |data-sort-value="Gore, Howard"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1877–1947)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1704}}<ref name="nga-gore">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Howard M. Gore |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/a-p-lutali-2/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1925}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1925-03-04 |title=Gore Inaugurated as Governor of West Va. |page=1 |work=The Plain Speaker |agency=United Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-speaker-gore-inaugurated-march/128652577/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1929<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; October 12, 1877 – June 20, 1947&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 69)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1925<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1929
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |18 !scope="row"|18
|] |data-sort-value="Conley, William"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1866–1940)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1705}}<ref name="nga-conley">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=William Gustavus Conley |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-gustavus-conley/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|March 4, 1929}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1929-03-04 |title=New Governor Seeks Co-operation; Favors Lessening Tax Burdens |page=1 |work=Hinton Daily News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hinton-daily-news-conley-inaugurated-mar/128652616/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1933<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; January 8, 1866 – October 21, 1940&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 74)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1929<br/>&ndash;<br/>March 4, 1933
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |19 !scope="row"|19
|] |data-sort-value="Kump, Herman"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="6" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1877–1962)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1706}}<ref name="nga-kump">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Herman Guy Kump |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/herman-guy-kump/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; October 31, 1877 – February 14, 1962&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 84)</small>
|{{dts|March 4, 1933}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1933-03-04 |title=Relief Plan Outlines As Kump Takes Office |page=1 |work=The Charleston Daily Mail |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charleston-daily-mail-kump-inaugurat/128652662/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 18, 1937<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]
|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|March 4, 1933<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 18, 1937
|3 years, 10 months{{efn|Inauguration day moved from March to January.}}
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |20 !scope="row"|20
|] |data-sort-value="Holt, Homer"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1898–1975)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1706–1707}}<ref name="nga-holt">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Homer Adams Holt |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/homer-adams-holt/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|January 18, 1937}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1937-01-18 |title=Crowds Jam the Capitol |page=1 |work=The Charleston Daily Mail |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charleston-daily-mail-holt-inaugurat/128652743/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 13, 1941<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; March 1, 1898 – January 16, 1975&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 76)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|January 18, 1937<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 13, 1941
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |21 !scope="row"|21
|] |data-sort-value="Neely, Matthew"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1874–1958)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1707–1708}}<ref name="nga-neely">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Matthew Mansfield Neely |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/matthew-mansfield-neely/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|January 13, 1941}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1941-01-15 |title=Thousands Witness Inauguration Celebration |page=1 |work=The Independent-Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-herald-neely-inaugurated/128652816/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 15, 1945<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; November 9, 1874 – January 18, 1958&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 83)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|January 13, 1941<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 15, 1945
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |22 !scope="row"|22
|] |data-sort-value="Meadows, Clarence"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1904–1961)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1708–1709}}<ref name="nga-meadows">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Clarence W. Meadows |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/clarence-w-meadows/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|January 15, 1945}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1945-01-15 |title=New Governor Inaugurated at Ceremony |page=1 |work=Hinton Daily News |agency=United Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hinton-daily-news-meadows-inaugurated-ja/128652891/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 17, 1949<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; February 11, 1904 – September 12, 1961&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 57)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|January 15, 1945<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 17, 1949
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |23 !scope="row"|23
|] |data-sort-value="Patteson, Okey"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1898–1989)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1709}}<ref name="nga-patteson">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Okey Leonidas Patteson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/okey-leonidas-patteson/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|January 17, 1949}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1949-01-17 |title=Patteson Is Installed As New Governor |page=1 |work=Hinton Daily News |agency=United Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hinton-daily-news-patteson-inaugurated-j/128652961/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 19, 1953<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; September 14, 1898 – July 3, 1989&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 90)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|January 17, 1949<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 19, 1953
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |24 !scope="row"|24
|] |data-sort-value="Marland, William"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1918–1965)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1710}}<ref name="nga-marland">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=William Casey Marland |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-casey-marland/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|January 19, 1953}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-01-19 |title=William C. Marland Sworn In As State's 24th Governor |page=1 |work=Hinton Daily News |agency=United Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hinton-daily-news-marland-sworn-in-janua/128653027/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 14, 1957<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; March 26, 1918 – November 26, 1965&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 47)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|January 19, 1953<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 14, 1957
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |25 !scope="row"|25
|] |data-sort-value="Underwood, Cecil"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} | |style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1922–2008)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1710–1711}}<ref name="nga-underwood">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Cecil H. Underwood |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/cecil-h-underwood/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; November 5, 1922 – November 24, 2008&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 86)</small>
|{{dts|January 14, 1957}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1957-01-14 |title=Inauguration Held Outdoors Despite Weather |page=1 |work=The Weirton Daily Times |agency=United Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-weirton-daily-times-underwood-inaugu/128654094/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 16, 1961<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]
|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|January 14, 1957<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 16, 1961
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |26 !scope="row"|26
|] |data-sort-value="Barron, Wally"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1911–2002)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1711–1712}}<ref name="nga-barron">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=William W. Barron |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/william-w-barron/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; December 8, 1911 – November 12, 2002&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 90)</small>
|{{dts|January 16, 1961}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1961-01-16 |title=Barron Becomes Governor, Signs BIll Increasing Tax |page=1 |work=Hinton Daily News |agency=United Press International |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hinton-daily-news-barron-inaugurated-jan/128654113/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 18, 1965<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]
|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|January 16, 1961<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 18, 1965
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |27 !scope="row"|27
|] |data-sort-value="Smith, Hulett"|]
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1918–2012)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1712–1713}}<ref name="nga-smith">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Hulett Carlson Smith |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/hulett-carlson-smith/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|{{dts|January 18, 1965}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKinney |first=John |date=1965-01-19 |title=Smith Promises 'High Standard' |page=1 |work=Beckley Post-Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/beckley-post-herald-smith-inaugurated-ja/128654351/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 13, 1969<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1872}}
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; October 21, 1918 – January 15, 2012&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 93)</small>
|] |]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|January 18, 1965<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 13, 1969
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=rowgroup rowspan=2|28 !rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|28
|rowspan=2|] |rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Moore, Arch"|]
|rowspan=2 bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|
|rowspan="2"|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1923–2015)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1713}}<ref name="nga-moore">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Arch A. Moore |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/arch-a-moore/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|rowspan=2|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; April 16, 1923 – January 7, 2015&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 91)</small>
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 13, 1969}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mellace |first=Bob |date=1969-01-13 |title=Good, Able State Rule Moore's Inaugural Aim |language=en-us |page=1 |work=The Charleston Daily Mail |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charleston-daily-mail-moore-inaugura/128654432/ |access-date=2023-10-03}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 17, 1977<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|Under a 1970 amendment to the constitution, governors who have served two consecutive terms are ineligible for the next term.<ref>{{Cite web |title=W.Va. Const. art. VII, § 4 |url=http://www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu/Search/results.aspx?srch=1&state=%27WV%27&CID=230&art=7&sec=4&amd=&key=&Yr= |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu}}</ref>|name=limits-1970}}
|rowspan=2|]
|rowspan="2"|]{{sfn|Kallenbach|1977|pp=629–630}}
|rowspan=2|January 13, 1969<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 17, 1977
|rowspan=2|8 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=rowgroup rowspan=2|29 !rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|29
|rowspan=2|] |rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Rockefeller, Jay"|]
|rowspan=2 bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|
|rowspan="2"|''']'''<br>{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1937)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1714}}<ref name="nga-rockefeller">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=John Davison Rockefeller |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/john-davison-rockefeller/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|rowspan=2|]<br><small>{{birth date and age|1937|06|18}}</small>
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 17, 1977}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1977-01-17 |title=Rockefeller Sworn In As 29th W. VA. Governor |language=en-us |page=1 |work=The Raleigh Register |agency=United Press International |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-raleigh-register-rockefeller-inaugur/128654473/ |access-date=2023-10-03}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 14, 1985<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1970}}
|rowspan=2|]
|rowspan="2"|]<ref name="nga-rockefeller" />
|rowspan=2|January 17, 1977<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 14, 1985
|rowspan=2|8 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |30 !scope="row"|30
|] |data-sort-value="Moore, Arch"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} | |style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1923–2015)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|p=1713}}<ref name="nga-moore" />
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; April 16, 1923 – January 7, 2015&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 91)</small>
|{{dts|January 14, 1985}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=LeVine |first=Steve |date=1985-01-14 |title=Moore Vows Strong W. Virginia Economy |page=4 |work=The Indianapolis News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-moore-inaugurated/128654521/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 16, 1989<br>{{small|(lost election)}}
|]
|]<ref name="nga-moore" />
|January 14, 1985<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 16, 1989
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=rowgroup rowspan=2|31 !rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|31
|rowspan=2|] |rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Caperton, Gaston"|]
|rowspan=2 bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|
|rowspan="2"|''']'''<br>{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1940)}}<br><ref name="nga-caperton">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Gaston Caperton |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/gaston-caperton/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|rowspan=2|]<br><small>{{birth date and age|1940|02|21}}</small>
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 16, 1989}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1989-01-17 |title=West Virginia Governor Sworn In |page=2 |work=Tulsa World |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-caperton-inaugurated-january/128654548/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 13, 1997<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1970}}
|rowspan=2|]
|rowspan="2"|]<ref name="nga-caperton" />
|rowspan=2|January 16, 1989<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 13, 1997
|rowspan=2|8 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |32 !scope="row"|32
|] |data-sort-value="Underwood, Cecil"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (United States)}} |&nbsp; |style="background:{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|&nbsp;
|''']'''<br>{{Small|(1922–2008)}}<br>{{sfn|Sobel|1978|pp=1710–1711}}<ref name="nga-underwood" />
|]<br><small>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; November 5, 1922 – November 24, 2008&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>(aged 86)</small>
|{{dts|January 13, 1997}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1997-01-14 |title=Once Youngest Governor, He's Now Oldest |page=5 |work=Tulsa World |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-underwood-inaugurated-januar/128654566/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 15, 2001<br>{{small|(lost election)}}
|]
|]<ref name="nga-underwood" />
|January 13, 1997<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 15, 2001
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=row |33 !scope="row"|33
|] |data-sort-value="Wise, Bob"|]
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} | |rowspan="7" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}};"|
|''']'''<br>{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1948)}}<br><ref name="nga-wise">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Bob Wise |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/bob-wise/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|]<br><small>{{birth date and age|1948|01|06}}</small>
|{{dts|January 15, 2001}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yost |first=Pete |date=2001-01-27 |title=Democrat Blasts Clinton Over Pardon |page=8 |work=The Buffalo News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-wise-inaugurated-januar/128654738/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 17, 2005<br>{{small|(did not run)}}
|]
|]<ref name="nga-wise" />
|January 15, 2001<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 17, 2005
|4 years
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=rowgroup rowspan=2 |34 !rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|34
|rowspan=2 |] |rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Manchin, Joe"|]
|rowspan="2"|''']'''<br>{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1947)}}<br><ref name="nga-manchin">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Joe Manchin III |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/joe-manchin-iii-2/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|rowspan=2 bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 17, 2005}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-01-19 |title=none |page=2 |work=Portland Press Herald |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/portland-press-herald-manchin-inaugurate/128654778/ |access-date=2023-07-22 | quote=Chief Justice Joseph Albright, left, swears in West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin on Monday in Charleston.}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>November 15, 2010<br>{{small|(resigned)}}{{efn|Manchin resigned, having been ] to the ].<ref name="nga-manchin" />}}
|rowspan=2 |]<br><small>{{birth date and age|1947|08|24}}</small>
|rowspan=2 |] |rowspan="2"|]<ref name="nga-manchin" />
|rowspan=2 |January 17, 2005<br/>&ndash;<br/>November 15, 2010<br>{{efn|Resigned to take an elected seat in the U.S. Senate.}}
|rowspan=2 |5 years, 10 months
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=rowgroup rowspan=3 |35 !rowspan="3" scope="rowgroup"|35
|rowspan=3 |] |rowspan="3" data-sort-value="Tomblin, Earl"|]
|rowspan="3"|''']'''<br>{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1952)}}<br><ref name="nga-tomblin">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2015 |title=Earl Ray Tomblin |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/earl-ray-tomblin/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|rowspan=3 bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|rowspan="3"|{{dts|November 15, 2010}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-11-16 |title=Tomblin Takes Oath as W. Va. Governor |page=A7 |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/richmond-times-dispatch-tomblin-succeeds/128654799/ |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>January 16, 2017<br>{{small|(term-limited)}}{{efn|name=limits-1970}}
|rowspan=3 |]<br><small>{{birth date and age|1952|03|15}}</small>
|rowspan=3 |] |rowspan="3"|]<ref name="nga-tomblin" />
|style="background:#EEEEEE;"|{{small|President of<br />the Senate<br>acting}}
|''November 15, 2010''<br/>&ndash;<br/>''November 13, 2011''<br>{{efn|Acting from November 15, 2010 to November 13, 2011.}}
|- style="height:2em;"
|''1 year''
|]<br>{{small|(special)}}
|bgcolor="#EEEEEE"|<small>President of<br />the Senate<br />acting as<br />Governor<br></small>{{efn|As president of the state senate, acted as governor from November 15, 2010 until November 13, 2011 when he was inaugurated as governor after the ] held on October 4, 2011.<ref name="const 7-16" /><ref name="washington post">{{cite news |title=Tomblin succeeds Manchin as West Virginia governor |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/15/AR2010111506129.html |newspaper=Washington Post |date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=November 17, 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Tomblin was ].}}
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
|rowspan=2 |November 13, 2011<br/>&ndash;<br/>January 16, 2017
|rowspan=2 |5 years, 2 months
|]
|-
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope=rowgroup rowspan=3 |36 !rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"|36
|rowspan=3 | ] |rowspan="2" data-sort-value="Justice, Jim"|]
|rowspan="2"|''']'''<br>{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1951)}}<br><ref name="nga-justice">{{Cite web |title=Jim Justice |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/jim-justice/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|bgcolor={{party color|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|January 16, 2017}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-01-16 |title=Jim Justice sworn into office as WV's governor |language=en |work=WTAP |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.wtap.com/content/news/Jim-Justice-sworn-in-as-WVs-governor-410825625.html |access-date=2023-07-22}}</ref><br/>&ndash;<br/>Incumbent{{efn|Justice's second term ] on January 13, 2025; he is term-limited.}}{{efn|Justice ] to the ] for a term beginning on January 3, 2025, so it is likely he will resign from the governorship before his term expires on January 13.}}
|rowspan=3 |]<br><small>{{birth date and age|1951|04|27}}</small>
|]{{efn|Justice switched to the Republican Party in August 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |last2=Martin |first2=Jonathan |date=2017-08-03 |title=In West Virginia, Trump Hails Conservatism and a New G.O.P. Governor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/03/us/politics/west-virginia-governor-to-switch-from-democrat-to-republican-trump.html |access-date=2023-07-21 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>}}
|]<br>{{efn|Justice was elected as a member of the ] in the ].<ref name="JusticeSwitches"/>}}
|]
|rowspan=3 |January 16, 2017<br/>&ndash;<br/>Incumbent<br>{{efn|Justice's second term will expire on January 13, 2025; He will be term limited.}}
|- style="height:2em;"
|rowspan=3 bgcolor="#F2F2CE" |{{age in years and days|2017|01|16}}
|rowspan="2" style="color:inherit;background:{{party color|Republican Party (United States)}};"|
|rowspan=2 |]
|]<ref name="nga-justice" />
|-
|rowspan=2 bgcolor={{party color|Republican Party (US)}} |
|rowspan=2 |]<br>{{efn|Justice switched to the Republican Party six months into his term, on August 4, 2017. He was later re-elected as a member of the ] in the ].<ref name="JusticeSwitches"/>}}
|-
|] |]
|- style="height:2em;"
|-
!scope="row"|''37''
|data-sort-value="Morrisey, Patrick"|]
|''''']'''''<br>{{small|({{Abbr|b.|born in}} 1967)}}
|''Governor-elect<br>takes office<br>{{dts|January 13, 2025}}''
|'']''<ref>{{cite web |title=Republican Patrick Morrisey wins election for governor in West Virginia |url=https://www.wsaz.com/2024/11/06/republican-patrick-morrisey-wins-election-governor-west-virginia/ |website=wsaz.com |publisher=WSAZ News |access-date=November 7, 2024}}</ref>
|]
|} |}


==Succession== ==See also==
{{main|Gubernatorial lines of succession in the United States#West Virginia}} *{{section link|Gubernatorial lines of succession in the United States|West Virginia}}
*]


==Notes== ==Notes==
{{noteslist}} {{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
;Specific
{{reflist|30em}}

;General ;General
{{refbegin}} {{refbegin}}
*{{Cite web |title=Former West Virginia Governors |url=https://www.nga.org/former-governors/west-virginia/ |access-date=July 20, 2023 |publisher=National Governors Association}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.8fd3d12ab65b304f8a278110501010a0?submit=Submit&State=WV |title=Governors of West Virginia |publisher=] |access-date=August 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814212147/http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.8fd3d12ab65b304f8a278110501010a0?submit=Submit&State=WV |archive-date=August 14, 2009 |url-status=dead }}
*{{Cite book |last=Sobel |first=Robert |url=https://archive.org/details/biographicaldire0004unse/ |title=Biographical directory of the governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. IV |publisher=Meckler Books |year=1978 |isbn=9780930466008 |access-date=June 13, 2023}}
* Richard E. Fast. ''The history and government of West Virginia'' (1901) to 1900
* {{Cite book |last=Kallenbach |first=Joseph Ernest |url=http://archive.org/details/americanstategov0000kall |title=American State Governors, 1776-1976 |date=1977 |publisher=Oceana Publications |isbn=978-0-379-00665-0 |access-date=September 23, 2023}}
* {{Cite book |last=Dubin |first=Michael J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WYJAIOabIPgC |title=United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1861-1911: The Official Results by State and County |date=2014 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-5646-8 |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=Glashan |first=Roy R. |url=http://archive.org/details/americangovernor0000glas |title=American Governors and Gubernatorial Elections, 1775-1978 |date=1979 |publisher=Meckler Books |isbn=978-0-930466-17-6}}
* {{Cite web |title=Our Campaigns - Governor of West Virginia - History |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/ContainerHistory.html?ContainerID=294 |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.ourcampaigns.com}}
{{refend}} {{refend}}


;Specific
;Constitutions
{{refbegin}} {{reflist}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/WV_CON.cfm |title=Constitution of West Virginia (1872) |publisher=West Virginia Legislature |access-date=August 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005191819/http://www.legis.state.wv.us/wvcode/wv_con.cfm |archive-date=October 5, 2015 }}
* {{cite book |last=West Virginia |url=https://archive.org/details/amendedconstitut00west |title=Constitution of West Virginia (1863) |year=1863 |publisher=Wheeling |access-date=August 19, 2009}}
{{refend}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{C-SPAN|5327}}

{{commons category |Governors of West Virginia}} {{commons category |Governors of West Virginia}}
* *
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] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 18:19, 16 November 2024

Governor of West Virginia
Seal of the governor
Incumbent
Jim Justice
since January 16, 2017
Style
Status
ResidenceWest Virginia Governor's Mansion
Term lengthFour years, renewable once consecutively
Inaugural holderArthur I. Boreman
FormationJune 20, 1863
Salary$150,000 (2022)
Websitegovernor.wv.gov

The governor of West Virginia is the head of government of West Virginia and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws, and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the West Virginia Legislature, to convene the legislature at any time, and, except when prosecution has been carried out by the House of Delegates, to grant pardons and reprieves.

Since West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, during the American Civil War, 34 men have served as governor. Two, Arch A. Moore Jr. (West Virginia's 28th and 30th governor) and Cecil H. Underwood (West Virginia's 25th and 32nd governor), served two nonconsecutive terms in office. The longest-serving governor was Moore, who served for three terms over twelve years. The state's first governor after admission into the Union, Arthur I. Boreman, served the most consecutive terms, resigning a week before the end of his third term. Before the state's admission, Francis Harrison Pierpont, the "Father of West Virginia," was elected governor during the Wheeling Convention of 1861. Daniel D.T. Farnsworth was senate president at the time; he filled the last seven days of Boreman's term and remains the shortest-serving governor. Underwood has the unusual distinction of being both the youngest person to be elected as governor (age 34 upon his first term in 1957) and the oldest to both be elected and serve (age 74 upon his second term in 1997; age 78 at the end of his second term in 2001).

The current governor is Republican Jim Justice, who assumed office on January 16, 2017. West Virginia's 36th governor, Justice was elected as a Democrat, but switched to the Republican Party on August 4 of that year.

To serve as governor, a person must be at least 30 years old, and must have been a citizen of West Virginia for at least five years at the time of inauguration. Under the current Constitution of West Virginia, ratified in 1872, the governor serves a four-year term commencing on the third Wednesday in January, following an election. The original constitution of 1863 only called for a two-year term. Since 1968, a governor may be reelected any number of times, but not more than twice in a row. Any partial term served counts toward the limit of two consecutive terms.

The constitution makes no mention of a lieutenant governor; if the governorship becomes vacant, the senate president stands first in the line of succession. If more than one year remains in the governor's term at the time of vacancy, a new election is held for the balance of the term. If less than a year remains, the senate president acts as governor for the remainder of the term. A bill passed in 2000 grants the senate president the honorary title of lieutenant governor, but this title is rarely used in practice and the terms of the senate president do not correspond with governorships. The same bill states that the line of succession after the senate president will be the speaker of the House of Delegates, followed by the state attorney general, the state auditor and former governors, in inverse order of term, that are in residence in the state at the time of the vacancy.

Qualifications

Anyone who seeks to be elected Governor of West Virginia must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Be a resident of West Virginia for at least five years preceding the election
  • Be a duly qualified elector of West Virginia
  • Be at least 30 years old

Governors

Governors of the State of West Virginia
No. Governor Term in office Party Election
1   Arthur I. Boreman
(1823–1896)
 June 20, 1863
–
February 26, 1869
(resigned) 		Republican 1863
1864
1866
2 Daniel D. T. Farnsworth
(1819–1892)
 February 26, 1869
–
March 4, 1869
(successor took office) 		Republican President of
the Senate
acting
3 William E. Stevenson
(1820–1883)
 March 4, 1869
–
March 4, 1871
(lost election) 		Republican 1868
4 John J. Jacob
(1829–1893)
 March 4, 1871
–
March 4, 1877
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1870
People's
Independent 		1872
5 Henry M. Mathews
(1834–1884)
 March 4, 1877
–
March 4, 1881
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1876
6 Jacob B. Jackson
(1829–1893)
 March 4, 1881
–
March 4, 1885
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1880
7 Emanuel Willis Wilson
(1844–1905)
 March 4, 1885
–
February 6, 1890
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1884
8 Aretas B. Fleming
(1839–1923)
 February 6, 1890
–
March 4, 1893
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1888
9 William A. MacCorkle
(1857–1930)
 March 4, 1893
–
March 4, 1897
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1892
10 George W. Atkinson
(1845–1925)
 March 4, 1897
–
March 4, 1901
(term-limited) 		Republican 1896
11 Albert B. White
(1856–1941)
 March 4, 1901
–
March 4, 1905
(term-limited) 		Republican 1900
12 William M. O. Dawson
(1853–1916)
 March 4, 1905
–
March 4, 1909
(term-limited) 		Republican 1904
13 William E. Glasscock
(1862–1925)
 March 4, 1909
–
March 4, 1913
(term-limited) 		Republican 1908
14 Henry D. Hatfield
(1875–1962)
 March 4, 1913
–
March 4, 1917
(term-limited) 		Republican 1912
15 John J. Cornwell
(1867–1953)
 March 4, 1917
–
March 4, 1921
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1916
16 Ephraim F. Morgan
(1869–1950)
 March 4, 1921
–
March 4, 1925
(term-limited) 		Republican 1920
17 Howard Mason Gore
(1877–1947)
 March 4, 1925
–
March 4, 1929
(term-limited) 		Republican 1924
18 William G. Conley
(1866–1940)
 March 4, 1929
–
March 4, 1933
(term-limited) 		Republican 1928
19 Herman G. Kump
(1877–1962)
 March 4, 1933
–
January 18, 1937
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1932
20 Homer A. Holt
(1898–1975)
 January 18, 1937
–
January 13, 1941
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1936
21 Matthew M. Neely
(1874–1958)
 January 13, 1941
–
January 15, 1945
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1940
22 Clarence W. Meadows
(1904–1961)
 January 15, 1945
–
January 17, 1949
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1944
23 Okey Patteson
(1898–1989)
 January 17, 1949
–
January 19, 1953
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1948
24 William C. Marland
(1918–1965)
 January 19, 1953
–
January 14, 1957
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1952
25 Cecil H. Underwood
(1922–2008)
 January 14, 1957
–
January 16, 1961
(term-limited) 		Republican 1956
26 Wally Barron
(1911–2002)
 January 16, 1961
–
January 18, 1965
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1960
27 Hulett C. Smith
(1918–2012)
 January 18, 1965
–
January 13, 1969
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1964
28 Arch A. Moore Jr.
(1923–2015)
 January 13, 1969
–
January 17, 1977
(term-limited) 		Republican 1968
1972
29 Jay Rockefeller
(b. 1937)
 January 17, 1977
–
January 14, 1985
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1976
1980
30 Arch A. Moore Jr.
(1923–2015)
 January 14, 1985
–
January 16, 1989
(lost election) 		Republican 1984
31 Gaston Caperton
(b. 1940)
 January 16, 1989
–
January 13, 1997
(term-limited) 		Democratic 1988
1992
32   Cecil H. Underwood
(1922–2008)
 January 13, 1997
–
January 15, 2001
(lost election) 		Republican 1996
33 Bob Wise
(b. 1948)
 January 15, 2001
–
January 17, 2005
(did not run) 		Democratic 2000
34 Joe Manchin
(b. 1947)
 January 17, 2005
–
November 15, 2010
(resigned) 		Democratic 2004
2008
35 Earl Ray Tomblin
(b. 1952)
 November 15, 2010
–
January 16, 2017
(term-limited) 		Democratic President of
the Senate
acting
2011
(special)
2012
36 Jim Justice
(b. 1951)
 January 16, 2017
–
Incumbent 		Democratic 2016
Republican 2020
37 Patrick Morrisey
(b. 1967) 		Governor-elect
takes office
January 13, 2025 		Republican 2024

See also

Notes

  1. Boreman resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
  2. ^ Under the 1872 constitution, governors were ineligible for four years after the end of their term.
  3. The constitutional start date of the gubernatorial term was March 4, with no requirement for an oath; Mathews was not sworn in until March 5, presumably because March 4 was a Sunday.
  4. The 1888 election was disputed, and Wilson remained as governor until the investigation was complete.
  5. ^ Under a 1970 amendment to the constitution, governors who have served two consecutive terms are ineligible for the next term.
  6. Manchin resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate.
  7. Justice's second term will expire on January 13, 2025; he is term-limited.
  8. Justice won election to the United States Senate for a term beginning on January 3, 2025, so it is likely he will resign from the governorship before his term expires on January 13.
  9. Justice switched to the Republican Party in August 2017.

References

General
Specific
  1. "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries". The Council of State Governments. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  2. ^ WV Constitution article VII, § 5.
  3. WV Constitution article VII, § 12.
  4. WV Constitution article VII, § 14.
  5. WV Constitution article VI, § 18–19.
  6. WV Constitution article VII, § 11.
  7. Compston-Strough, Jennifer (June 20, 2013). "Francis Harrison Pierpont: 'Father of West Virginia'". The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. Archived from the original on August 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  8. Shear, Michael D.; Martin, Jonathan (August 3, 2017). "West Virginia Governor to Switch from Democrat to Republican". New York Times. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  9. ^ WV Constitution article VII, § 1.
  10. WV 1863 Constitution article V, § 1.
  11. ^ WV Constitution, Article VII, section 4.
  12. WV Constitution article VII, § 16.
  13. ^ "H.B. 4781 (Enrolled March 11, 2009)". West Virginia Legislature, 2000 Sessions. Retrieved August 16, 2009.
  14. "Governor of West Virginia".
  15. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 1691–1692.
  16. "Arthur Ingraham Boreman". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  17. "none". Alexandria Gazette. June 22, 1863. p. 1. Retrieved July 21, 2023. Hon. A. J. Boreman was on Saturday inaugurated as the first Governor of West Virginia.
  18. ^ Kallenbach 1977, pp. 629–630.
  19. Sobel 1978, p. 1692.
  20. "Daniel Duane Tompkins Farnsworth". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  21. "Sworn In". The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. February 27, 1869. p. 4. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  22. Sobel 1978, pp. 1692–1693.
  23. "William Erskine Stevenson". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  24. "Inauguration of State Officers". The Wheeling Daily Register. March 5, 1869. p. 3. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  25. Sobel 1978, pp. 1693–1694.
  26. "John Jeremiah Jacob". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  27. "Inauguration of Governor Jacob". The Wheeling Daily Register. March 6, 1871. p. 1. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  28. "1872 W.Va. Const. art. VII, § 4". www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  29. ^ Glashan 1979, p. 334.
  30. Sobel 1978, p. 1694.
  31. "Henry Mason Mathews". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  32. "Gubernatorial". The Wheeling Daily Register. March 6, 1877. p. 4. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  33. Sobel 1978, p. 1695.
  34. "Jacob Beeson Jackson". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  35. "The New Regime". The Daily Register. March 5, 1881. p. 4. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  36. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 1695–1696.
  37. "Emanuel Willis Wilson". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  38. "The New Governor". The Daily Register. March 5, 1885. p. 4. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  39. Sobel 1978, pp. 1696–1697.
  40. "Aretas Brooks Fleming". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  41. "Inaugurated". The Daily Register. February 7, 1890. p. 1. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  42. Sobel 1978, p. 1697.
  43. "William Alexander MacCorkle". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  44. "Governor M'Corkle". Wheeling Sunday Register. March 5, 1893. p. 5. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  45. Sobel 1978, pp. 1697–1698.
  46. "George Wesley Atkinson". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  47. "There Are Others". The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. March 5, 1897. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  48. Sobel 1978, pp. 1698–1699.
  49. "Albert Blakeslee White". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  50. "Inauguration of Gov. A. B. White". Martinsburg Herald. March 9, 1901. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  51. Sobel 1978, pp. 1699–1700.
  52. "William M.O. Dawson". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  53. "Governor Dawson". The Fairmont West Virginian. March 4, 1905. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  54. Sobel 1978, p. 1700.
  55. "William E. Glasscock". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  56. "State's New Governor". The Daily Telegram. March 4, 1909. p. 4. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  57. Sobel 1978, pp. 1701–1702.
  58. "Henry Drury Hatfield". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  59. "Hon. Henry D. Hatfield Is Inaugurated Governor". The Fairmont West Virginian. Associated Press. March 4, 1913. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  60. Sobel 1978, pp. 1702–1703.
  61. "John Jacob Cornwell". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  62. "Cornwell Takes Oath on Sunday". The Birmingham News. Associated Press. March 5, 1917. p. 7. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  63. Sobel 1978, p. 1703.
  64. "Ephraim Franklin Morgan". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  65. "Judge Morgan Inaugurated". Greenbrier Independent. March 11, 1921. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  66. Sobel 1978, p. 1704.
  67. "Howard M. Gore". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  68. "Gore Inaugurated as Governor of West Va". The Plain Speaker. United Press. March 4, 1925. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  69. Sobel 1978, p. 1705.
  70. "William Gustavus Conley". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  71. "New Governor Seeks Co-operation; Favors Lessening Tax Burdens". Hinton Daily News. Associated Press. March 4, 1929. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  72. Sobel 1978, p. 1706.
  73. "Herman Guy Kump". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  74. "Relief Plan Outlines As Kump Takes Office". The Charleston Daily Mail. March 4, 1933. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  75. Sobel 1978, pp. 1706–1707.
  76. "Homer Adams Holt". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  77. "Crowds Jam the Capitol". The Charleston Daily Mail. January 18, 1937. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  78. Sobel 1978, pp. 1707–1708.
  79. "Matthew Mansfield Neely". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  80. "Thousands Witness Inauguration Celebration". The Independent-Herald. January 15, 1941. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  81. Sobel 1978, pp. 1708–1709.
  82. "Clarence W. Meadows". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  83. "New Governor Inaugurated at Ceremony". Hinton Daily News. United Press. January 15, 1945. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  84. Sobel 1978, p. 1709.
  85. "Okey Leonidas Patteson". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  86. "Patteson Is Installed As New Governor". Hinton Daily News. United Press. January 17, 1949. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  87. Sobel 1978, p. 1710.
  88. "William Casey Marland". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  89. "William C. Marland Sworn In As State's 24th Governor". Hinton Daily News. United Press. January 19, 1953. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  90. ^ Sobel 1978, pp. 1710–1711.
  91. ^ "Cecil H. Underwood". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  92. "Inauguration Held Outdoors Despite Weather". The Weirton Daily Times. United Press. January 14, 1957. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  93. Sobel 1978, pp. 1711–1712.
  94. "William W. Barron". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  95. "Barron Becomes Governor, Signs BIll Increasing Tax". Hinton Daily News. United Press International. January 16, 1961. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  96. Sobel 1978, pp. 1712–1713.
  97. "Hulett Carlson Smith". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  98. McKinney, John (January 19, 1965). "Smith Promises 'High Standard'". Beckley Post-Herald. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  99. ^ Sobel 1978, p. 1713.
  100. ^ "Arch A. Moore". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  101. Mellace, Bob (January 13, 1969). "Good, Able State Rule Moore's Inaugural Aim". The Charleston Daily Mail. p. 1. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  102. "W.Va. Const. art. VII, § 4". www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  103. Sobel 1978, p. 1714.
  104. ^ "John Davison Rockefeller". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  105. "Rockefeller Sworn In As 29th W. VA. Governor". The Raleigh Register. United Press International. January 17, 1977. p. 1. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  106. LeVine, Steve (January 14, 1985). "Moore Vows Strong W. Virginia Economy". The Indianapolis News. Associated Press. p. 4. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  107. ^ "Gaston Caperton". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  108. "West Virginia Governor Sworn In". Tulsa World. Associated Press. January 17, 1989. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  109. "Once Youngest Governor, He's Now Oldest". Tulsa World. Associated Press. January 14, 1997. p. 5. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  110. ^ "Bob Wise". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  111. Yost, Pete (January 27, 2001). "Democrat Blasts Clinton Over Pardon". The Buffalo News. Associated Press. p. 8. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  112. ^ "Joe Manchin III". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  113. "none". Portland Press Herald. Associated Press. January 19, 2005. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023. Chief Justice Joseph Albright, left, swears in West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin on Monday in Charleston.
  114. ^ "Earl Ray Tomblin". National Governors Association. November 15, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  115. "Tomblin Takes Oath as W. Va. Governor". Richmond Times-Dispatch. November 16, 2010. p. A7. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  116. ^ "Jim Justice". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  117. "Jim Justice sworn into office as WV's governor". WTAP. Associated Press. January 16, 2017. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  118. Shear, Michael D.; Martin, Jonathan (August 3, 2017). "In West Virginia, Trump Hails Conservatism and a New G.O.P. Governor". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  119. "Republican Patrick Morrisey wins election for governor in West Virginia". wsaz.com. WSAZ News. Retrieved November 7, 2024.

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