West Virginia leaders are remembering former Congressman David McKinley following news of his passing. McKinley, a Republican who represented the state’s First Congressional District for more than a decade, also served in the House of Delegates and as chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party during a public career that spanned decades.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito said McKinley “was a fighter,” noting his deep roots as an eighth‑generation West Virginian and his long‑standing advocacy for coal miners and energy communities. She highlighted his background as the only licensed engineer in Congress during his tenure, saying he brought a level of analysis and attention to detail that shaped his legislative work. Capito also remembered him as a devoted WVU football fan who never missed a chance to cheer on the Mountaineers.
Governor Patrick Morrisey also issued a statement, saying he and his wife Denise were saddened to learn of McKinley’s passing. Morrisey said McKinley “devoted decades of his life to public service,” working to strengthen the state’s economy and improve the lives of the people he represented. He added that McKinley’s commitment to the Mountain State leaves a lasting legacy.
Both Capito and Morrisey extended condolences to McKinley’s wife, Mary, his children, and the entire McKinley family.
