Now former Delegate Stephen Baldwin has been appointed to the state Senate, representing District 10, covering Greenbrier, Fayette, Summers, and Monroe counties. Governor Jim Justice made this appointment Monday, October 16, to replace Ronald Miller, the former 10th District senator who stepped down September 30 in order to serve as the governor’s agricultural liaison. Because Miller was a Democrat, the law mandates that his replacement also be a Democrat.
“I filed precandidacy for this position in August,” said Baldwin to the Democratic Executive Committee who wrote to Justice on behalf of Baldwin and two other candidates on October 10. “I believe I’m the only Democrat that’s done that; so, I’m all in. We really need someone who is all in because interims are next week, and Senator Miller [was on] nine interim committees; there’s a special session on Monday, and regular session is just around the corner; so I think it’s really important that whoever gets the position is ready to hit the ground running quickly and effectively. I will certainly do my best to do that.”
Baldwin was elected to the House of Delegates in 2016, representing District 42, which covers parts of Greenbrier Monroe, and Summers counties. He will be stepping down from this position in the House to step into the state Senate. According to Baldwin, a similar process used to fill the state Senate seat will be used to fill his House of Delegates seat. A local committee composed of citizens of Greenbrier, Summers, and Monroe counties will select three recommended names to send to Justice, though he does not have to decide from this list.
In addition to his current seat, Baldwin had already applied to run for the state Senate seat in the coming 2018 election, rather than remain in the House of Delegates. Having introduced legislation for restricting term limits while in the House, Baldwin joked he stuck to the idea.
“I had already filed to run for the Senate seat over the summer anyway, so I will now be running for the seat I occupy,” Baldwin said. “I believe in term limits; so I’m practicing what I preach by not staying in any office too long! Right now I’m focused on doing this job the best I can. My first priority will be getting around to all four counties and listening to folks. If you are in a group and want to talk, be in touch.”
In addition to his Senate position, Baldwin is also a minister at Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, and he and his wife, Kerry, have one son, Harrison.
“Service is my life’s calling,” Baldwin said. “While this wasn’t something I saw coming, I agreed to serve because I can help. I’m honored and humbled to be asked. I want to get to know folks, listen to their stories, and make a positive impact. Thanks to Governor Justice for appointing me and trusting me to serve the people faithfully.”
Read more in the Tuesday, October 17, edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
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