Sen. Randy Smith, Former Coal Miner And Small Business Owner, Nominated Senate President

Sen. Randy Smith, R-Tucker, is going to be the next Senate President and he says changes are on the horizon. 

“I want to give people their house. I’m not saying back, because Craig Blair is/was a good president. I respect him,” Smith said. “I have different philosophies than what a lot of our former presidents have had.”

Smith’s voting record is on the more conservative side of the Republican caucus that will occupy all but two senatorial seats in the next legislative session. He voted no on amendments that moderated conservative bills addressing social issues. 

He says he wants this upcoming legislature to address social issues, like trans access to bathrooms. 

“I agree 100 percent, you know, with bringing common sense back to West Virginia, and I think the people in America spoke also that they’re tired of the craziness,” Smith said. 

As for energy, Smith, a former coal miner, said he’s not against green energy but is against tax incentives for some energy sources. 

“I just want everybody on the same playing field,” Smith said. “That’s what I have against it, you know, rather taxing them or incentives or whatever. Let’s just be fair.”

He didn’t indicate who he would choose to chair any committees, but that he would have a diverse team.  

Smith was seen as the dark horse in this election. He ran against the Majority Leader Dr. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, and Finance Chair Eric Tarr, R-Putnam. Smith is currently the chair of the Senate Energy Committee.