Longtime W.Va. lawmaker Jay Rockefeller dies at 89
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Longtime West Virginia lawmaker John D. “Jay” Rockefeller IV has died Friday, November 6, 2026, at 89.
Rockefeller came to West Virginia in 1964 as a 27-year-old VISTA volunteer in the small community of Emmons, an experience that shaped his extensive career in public service. He served in the West Virginia House of Delegates (1966-1968); as Secretary of State of West Virginia (1968-1972); President of West Virginia Wesleyan College (1973-1976); and Governor of West Virginia (1977-1985). In 1984 he was elected to the United States Senate and was reelected four times, in 1990, 1996, 2002, and 2008, before retiring in 2015, according to the West Virginia and Regional History Center.
“West Virginia has lost a man who devoted much of his life to serving our state and its people,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in a statement Friday morning. “Jay Rockefeller’s remarkable career in public service spanned nearly five decades, including two terms as governor and 30 years representing West Virginia in the United States Senate.”
He continued, “From his early work in some of our state’s most disadvantaged communities to his efforts to strengthen healthcare, protect coal miners and their families, and support our veterans, Sen. Rockefeller demonstrated a deep commitment to the people of West Virginia. His work helped shape our state and left a lasting mark on the lives of generations of West Virginians. His decades of service deserve our respect and gratitude, and his legacy will remain an important part of West Virginia’s history.”
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito also released a statement regarding Rockefeller’s passing.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of former Senator and Governor Jay Rockefeller. Jay dedicated his life to serving West Virginia and our nation, leaving a lasting legacy. He was always a true gentleman who treated me with respect, kindness, and encouragement,” Capito said. “Over the years, we developed a wonderful friendship that transcended politics, and I will always be grateful for that. Above all, Jay loved his family.”
Check back at dominionpost.com and Sunday’s print edition for a full story on Rockefeller and his contributions to West Virginia.