Trenton Carl Barnhart is a Republican member of the West Virginia Senate representing District 3. He was born in St. Marys, West Virginia, and earned both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Charleston. He works in banking and has held positions as a business development officer and commercial loan officer.
Barnhart entered the Legislature in 2019, when then Gov. Jim Justice appointed him to the West Virginia House of Delegates following the resignation of Jason Harshbarger. He represented the 7th House district before later representing the 9th House district. During his House tenure, he served in Republican leadership and chaired the House Banking and Insurance Subcommittee.
In January 2026, Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed Barnhart to the Senate’s District 3 seat after longtime Sen. Donna Boley resigned. Barnhart was then a candidate for the unexpired term and defeated Harshbarger in the Republican primary. He continues to serve as a senator while seeking election to the remainder of the term.
His current Senate committee assignments include Banking and Insurance, Confirmations, Economic Development, Education, Energy, Industry and Mining, and Finance.