The Democratic caucus of the West Virginia Senate has elected Senator Stephen Baldwin of Greenbrier County as Senate Minority leader. Baldwin’s predecessor, former Minority Leader Roman Prezioso, did not seek re-election.
“I am deeply honored that my colleagues would provide this opportunity,” Baldwin said, in a statement released on Monday, December 7. “Every single one of them could do this job and do it well. It’s my privilege to serve with a tremendous team.”
After much personal deliberation, Baldwin, who has been a member of the Democratic caucus for three years, decided to “put his name in the hat” for consideration as Minority Leader.
“It’s a chance to rebuild,” Baldwin told the West Virginia Daily News. “It’s a chance to rebuild the caucus and address some party deficiencies. There are only 11 members in the Democratic caucus now. Not only are we the minority – we’re the super minority.”
Baldwin, who is also a Pastor at the Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, believes his new position as Minority Leader will benefit the Tenth District, as well.
“This will be good,” Baldwin said. “Hopefully we’ll see more projects and resources make their way into the District.”
The Tenth Senatorial District is made up of parts of Greenbrier, Fayette, Monroe and Summers Counties. Currently, Democrats hold 11 of the 34 Senate seats. Republicans hold the remaining 23 seats. The next Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on February 10.
The statement concludes with Baldwin saying, “We will fight the good fight. I have two goals. One, we need to build an organization as a caucus to serve as an effective loyal opposition. Two, we will work to inspire hope across West Virginia for a brighter future. Folks are understandably fearful right now. But as a person of faith, I believe in hope over fear. We will fight the good fight for our future.”
Baldwin has served in the Senate since his appointment in 2017, having first been elected to the House of Delegates in 2016. He represents the Tenth District, which contains Fayette, Greenbrier, Monroe and Summers County. Baldwin is a pastor at Ronceverte Presbyterian Church in Ronceverte, WV. He is married to Kerry Richardson Baldwin, and they have one son, Harrison River Baldwin.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.