Trenton Barnhart
Trenton Barnhart | |
|---|---|
| Member of the West Virginia Senate from the 3rd district | |
| Assumed office January 27, 2026 Serving with Mike Azinger | |
| Preceded by | Donna Boley |
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 9th district | |
| In office December 1, 2022 – January 27, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Dennis Kimes |
| Succeeded by | Betsy Kelly |
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 7th district | |
| In office September 17, 2019 – December 1, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Jason Harshbarger |
| Succeeded by | Charles Sheedy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Trenton Carl Barnhart November 12, 1996 St. Marys, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | B.A., M.B.A. University of Charleston |
Trenton Carl Barnhart (born November 12, 1996) is an American politician who is a Republican member of the West Virginia Senate. He previously served in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Early life, education, and career
Barnhart was born in St. Marys, West Virginia to Mark and Lori Barnhart. He has a B.A. and an M.B.A from the University of Charleston. He was employed as a community banker and compliance auditor. He was also a member of the Pleasants County Republican Executive Committee.[1]
Elections
2019
Barnhart was appointed by West Virginia governor Jim Justice following the resignation of Delegate Jason Harshbarger, on September 17, 2019.[2]
2020
In his first primary election, Barnhart was challenged by fellow Republican Kerry Murphy, whom he defeated with 53.65% of the vote.[3]
Barnhart won unopposed in the general election.[4]
2026
In January, 2026, Barnhart was appointed to the West Virginia Senate by governor Patrick Morrisey following the resignation of Senator Donna Boley.[5]
Tenure
Committee assignments
- Workforce Development (Vice Chair)[6]
- Banking and Insurance
- Government Organization
- Health and Human Resources
- Small Business and Economic Development
Barnhart is an Assistant Majority Whip in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates.
Barnhart had a 14% rating from the West Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club as of 2020.[7]
Gun rights
Barnhart is a member of the National Rifle Association of America.[1] He has an A rating from the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun rights organization, of which he is member, as of 2020.[8] Barnhart was a sponsor of HB 2739, a bill that would declare West Virginia a Second Amendment "sanctuary state."[9]
DC statehood
With many of his fellow Delegates, Barnhart signed onto a resolution requesting West Virginia Senators and Congressmen to oppose bills that would allow statehood for the District of Columbia.[10]
Personal life
References
- ^ a b c "Member Biography: Delegate Barnhart". West Virginia Legislature. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
- ^ Adams, Steven Allen. "Justice appoints Trenton Barnhart to House seat". Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 18, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
- ^ "2020 Primary Election: House of Delegates 7th District". West Virginia Board of Elections. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
- ^ "2020 General Election: House of Delegates 7th District". West Virginia Board of Elections. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
- ^ "Governor Morrisey Makes Appointment to Senate District 3 and House of Delegates District 74". West Virginia Office of the Governor. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
- ^ "Member Profiles: Delegate Barnhart". West Virginia Legislature. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
- ^ "WV Sierra Club Legislative Scorecard 2019 - 2020". Sierra Club. Archived from the original on March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
- ^ "Candidate Ratings 2020". West Virginia Citizens Defense League. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
- ^ "West Virginia House Bill 2739". LegiScan. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
- ^ "WV GOP Letter (2021)" (PDF). Students for DC Statehood. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 29, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.