Mike Pushkin has served the legislature for a long period of time. He was born and raised in Charleston West Virginia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English and political science from West Virginia University. He is a musician and has worked as a taxi driver. Pushkin is in long term recovery and notes on his website that he brings a “deeply personal understanding of the addiction crisis facing West Virginia.” He regularly sponsors and advocates for legislation that could create second chances for those suffering from addiction. He was first elected in 2014 and now serves as Chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party while continuing to represent the West Side, East End, Downtown, and North Charleston in the House of Delegates. He sponsored over 30 bills this past session. During his time in the legislature, he has served as Minority Chair of the Health and Human Resources Committee and championed substance abuse recovery programs, healthcare expansion, labor rights and civil liberties.