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Former House Minority Leader Doug Skaff Dies At 48
The West Virginia House of Delegates has set up a memorial for former Minority Leader Doug Skaff. Perry Bennett/WV Legislative Photography
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**Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Updated Wednesday, June 11 at 12:20 p.m.
Former state lawmaker Doug Skaff has died at age 48, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced over social media Tuesday night.
Skaff died in a car accident, according to a Tuesday night Facebook post from the Kanawha County Commission. He represented Kanawha County in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 2008 to 2014, and again from 2018 to 2023. He served as minority leader for the Democratic Party from 2020 to 2023.
In October 2023, he switched political affiliations to the Republican Party and announced a bid for secretary of state. He lost the primary election for the Republican ticket in May 2024.
Outside of state politics, Skaff was also a husband, father and the owner HD Media. The company operates West Virginia newspapers including the Charleston Gazette-Mail and the Huntington-based Herald-Dispatch.
In his post to X, formerly known as Twitter, Morrisey described the former state lawmaker as a local leader who was “omnipresent in the Charleston community.”
“I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of our friend Doug Skaff,” the governor wrote. “He will be greatly missed by many.”
Wednesday morning, Morrisey ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast to honor Skaff’s life and memory. The flag order applies to the Capitol Complex in Charleston and at all state facilities throughout Kanawha County. Flags will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of internment.
House Minority Leader Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha.
Public Statements
From House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay:
I am sad today. Yesterday our state lost a leader, and I lost a friend. Doug Skaff and I had been friends for over 25 years. We first met as students at WVU when he and I were there together as young men straight out of high school. Even then we would talk about what we thought the state of West Virginia could be and brainstorm ideas for making it happen. It was among the highlights of my professional life having the opportunity to work with him on some of same ideas he and I talked about over 20 years prior.
Doug loved West Virginia. He loved people, and he loved speaking up for what the future could be for us. Doug and I traveled all across the country together. We represented the state together in some of the most high-profile meetings I have ever taken, and we promoted West Virginia to anyone who would listen, all in the name of creating more opportunities for our friends, family and neighbors here in the Mountain State. Doug was a fantastic ambassador for West Virginia, and it was a privilege to share the stage with him when I had the opportunity. However, those aren’t the moments I will remember most about Doug Skaff.
The conversations Doug and I shared over the past decade as we both sought to fulfill a mission in public service always ended the same way, regardless of how they began. No matter the topic, Doug and I eventually always turned to the question of how to promote more communication among people about things that matter, and how we solve the problems that face real people in real communities. Doug was convinced that if people just spent more time together and understood each other better, all the division among people would eventually disappear into the reality of shared struggles and shared beliefs. I believed – and still believe – that he was right.
Doug accomplished a lot in his life, for himself and for others, and he was always quick to talk about plans for the future, how he wanted to improve the state and his community. But his favorite topic, and his proudest accomplishment, was his family. Doug and I never had a conversation without him asking about my family, my wife and our two daughters, and then telling me about the latest in his own family.
West Virginia is better today for the short time we had with Doug Skaff. It was my privilege to know him and work alongside him. Yesterday’s tragic accident stole a leader from our community and our state. West Virginia lost a true champion in Doug Skaff, and I lost a good friend.
From the West Virginia Democratic Party and Chairman Mike Pushkin:
“Doug Skaff was more than just a colleague; he was a friend to many of us, even after he left the legislature. His humor was infectious, and his dedication to his family, particularly his love for his children, was evident in everything he did. Doug was deeply committed to the community—whether through his public service, his entrepreneurial spirit, or his active community involvement. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of community fiengagement and dedication, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marisa, his children Andrew, Elias, and Alexander, and his many friends.”
Doug Skaff Jr.’s legacy includes a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of West Virginians, evident through his legislative efforts and tireless community advocacy. He was a dedicated public servant, a committed businessman, and a deeply devoted father.
The West Virginia Democratic Party extends its deepest sympathies to the Skaff family, friends, and all those mourning his loss.
From Congressman Riley M. Moore:
“Tonight, Mina and I join the people of West Virginia in grieving the loss of a true Mountaineer. Doug Skaff, my good friend, was a West Virginian through and through. From his time as Student Body President at West Virginia University to his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates, Doug loved our state and our people.
“When we both had kids at Sacred Heart, Doug and I coached our kids’ soccer team together, and I got to see firsthand how much he loved his boys. My family cherishes memories of those soccer games, and Doug is a big part of each of them. Our hearts break for the beautiful family he leaves behind. We pray that Marisa and their boys find peace in the wake of such horrible tragedy.
From Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin:
“I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of former WV Delegate Doug Skaff. He was an outstanding public servant, and businessman, but most important he was a wonderful husband, father and son. My prayers are with his wife, their three beautiful boys and his entire family during this difficult time. The City of Charleston, Kanawha County and the State of West Virginia have lost a true champion for her people.”
City flags will be lowered immediately and will remain at half-staff through the day of services.
From the Kanawha County Commission:
Doug Skaff was a longtime lawmaker who was dedicated to the betterment of West Virginia. More importantly, he was a loving husband and father of three young sons. He was a devoted family man, Christian and businessman. He has a plethora of family members, friends and colleagues who will deeply miss him.
Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango said, “I’ve known Doug for nearly 25 years, and I am absolutely devastated. Tera and I are praying for his wonderful family and friends.”
Commissioner Lance Wheeler added, “My heart goes out to the Skaff family during this incredibly difficult time. Doug Skaff was more than just an elected official. He was a true champion for his community, a family first man, and a friend. My family and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his loved ones.”
“I am devasted and am heartbroken for his family,” said Commissioner Natalie Tennant. “Our county and state have lost a true public servant who loved his family, his friends, and his church. Doug was always looking for ways to lift the community, including very recently helping to revitalize the historic Fazio’s Family Restaurant. Doug’s vision and passion will be missed.”
The Kanawha County Courthouse will lower all flags on County property to half-staff in his honor. We send our condolences and prayers to Doug’s family and friends.
From Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston:
“I was shocked to hear the terrible news of the loss of Doug Skaff this evening. I had the honor of serving with Doug in the House of Delegates and while we may have been on opposite sides of the aisle — and often on opposite sides of an issue — he always treated me with kindness and respect and with the spirit of wanting to find the best solution for West Virginia. He was a hard worker, a good friend, and an amazing father to his three sons. We will all be keeping his family in our prayers while they deal with this unthinkable tragedy.”
From West Virginia University President Gordon Gee:
“Doug Skaff was a Mountaineer through and through. As student body president at WVU, he helped launch WVUp All Night and the Mountaineer Manics — two beloved programs that continue to shape student life today. His deep love for West Virginia University was evident in everything he did — as a graduate, donor, public servant, fan, and former faithful member of the WVU Alumni Association Board. Doug believed in the power of education, community, and service, and he gave generously of his time and spirit to support our students, faculty, and staff. We are heartbroken by his passing and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”
From the West Virginia AFL-CIO:
“As both a tireless lawmaker and solid member of the West Virginia business community, Doug was a tried and true advocate for West Virginia working families who, regardless of partisan battles, never lost sight of the importance of treating all people with fairness and consideration,” WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “We are shocked and extremely saddened to hear of his tragic passing, and are keeping his wife, children and all who loved him in our prayers.”
WV AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Andy Walters said Doug will be remembered for his easy-going nature and wit. “It’s not easy to stay level-headed in the world of politics, but Doug always kept his focus on community and family, and was a grounded, kind individual who will be greatly missed,” Walters said.
**Editor’s note: This story was updated to include a cause of death disclosed by the Kanawha County Commission Tuesday night, as well as a collection of statements from public officials and Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s order to lower flags to half-mast.
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