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CHARLESTON - Delegate Sean Hornbuckle made history Tuesday night by being the first African American to be selected as the leader of the 11 Democratic members of the 100-member House of Delegates.
Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, was selected by the House Democratic Caucus as its new Minority Leader, replacing Delegate Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, who stepped down effective Tuesday.
"I'm humbled and honored to accept this position," Hornbuckle said in a statement Wednesday. "We have real issues across our state that we can address and overcome through real leadership. Our Democratic Caucus, while small in numbers, are some old-fashioned, principled, talented folks that I know will continue to work with Speaker Roger Hanshaw to take our state to new heights but at the same time fight for everyday West Virginians and against efforts that get in the way of common-sense solutions that help everyone."
Hornbuckle has served as the House Minority Leader Tempore since 2020 when the position was first created. He was first elected in 2014 and is in his fifth two-year term. Hornbuckle has also served as the minority chairman and ranking member of the House Education Committee and the House Pensions and Retirement Committee.
A native of Huntington, Hornbuckle is a graduate of Marshall University with a bachelor's and master's. He is a financial adviser with Edward Jones.
The House Democratic leadership team and Democratic Party officials welcomed the selection of Hornbuckle to replace Skaff, who announced last week that he would return to his normal duties as a delegate representing his district in Kanawha County.
"Sean and I came into the Legislature together and it was evident from day one that he is truly a public servant, not just another politician," said House Minority Whip Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio. "We have built a bond that will far surpass our time in public office. I could go on about his professional accolades. However, his personal attributes are what have made him successful in life and will make him successful in this role."
"In a time where politics has become more divisive than ever, Sean has earned respect across the aisle," Fluharty continued. "He fights for all West Virginians and I look forward to continuing that fight by his side."
"Delegate Hornbuckle is a strong leader who is uniquely suited to lead our caucus," Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, co-chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party. "He'll be a tireless advocate for West Virginia's working families and a leader we can all be proud of."
Skaff was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2008 and served two terms. He ran and won again in 2018 and is in his third consecutive term. The House Democratic Caucus chose Skaff as its minority leader beginning in 2020 after former House Minority Leader Tim Miley, D-Harrison, declined to seek reelection.
"I'm happy for Sean, who is not only a friend and a great leader, but he's an all-around good person, and I have full confidence he will hit the ground running to fight for all West Virginians and continue working across the entire House of Delegates to create jobs and grow our economy," Skaff said.
Fluharty will remain House Minority Whip. Delegate. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, will succeed Hornbuckle as House minority leader pro tempore.
"Sean excels as a coach outside the Legislature, and I can't wait to see him transfer those skills to leading our caucus into 2024," Young said.
Hornbuckle also received a round of applause Tuesday night from the entire House and the supermajority of Republicans. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, welcomed Hornbuckle to the House's leadership team.
"Delegate Hornbuckle has been a thoughtful and impressive delegate since day one," Hanshaw said. "I've traveled across the country with him, and he not only serves his district well, but he represents our entire state well, and it's an honor to have him as a colleague."
On the state Senate side, it was announced Wednesday morning Sen. Mike Caputo would not seek reelection in 2024.
"It has been truly humbling that the people of my region have shown such faith in me all these years, and I have been extremely proud to represent them," Caputo said. "I intend to work hard for the 13th Senate District through the end of 2024, but then it's time for me to close this chapter of my public service.
Caputo, D-Marion, is in his first term as a state senator, first elected in 2020 after the retirement of former Senate Minority Leader Roman Prezioso. But Caputo's legislative career is lengthy, having first been elected to the House of Delegates in 1996 and serving 12 two-year terms.
During his legislative service, Caputo served as the House Majority Whip for eight years during the final years of Democratic Party control of the House. When the Republicans took the majority in 2015, Caputo served as House Minority Whip.
A coal miner, Caputo has served in various leadership positions within the United Mine Workers of America, including serving as vice president of UMWA District 31 until retiring in 2018. Caputo now serves as vice president of the West Virginia AFL-CIO.
"His advocacy and leadership in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate meant that workers and their communities could always count on a strong voice on their side, and a strong commitment to their well-being," said UMWA President Cecil Roberts. "Mike's constituents are much better off for his service. From improving and upgrading transportation, to creating new jobs, to protecting existing jobs, Mike Caputo put workers and families in North Central West Virginia first and he delivered for them."
"Mike Caputo's support for working families over his legislative career is legendary," said West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword. "Although I'm happy for him and his chance to spend more time with his family, the void he is leaving behind will be impossible to fill. And personally, I'll miss my friend."
Caputo is one of three Democratic state senators left in the 34-member Senate, including Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Senate Minority Whip Robert Plymale, D-Wayne.