Mike Woelfel

Mike Woelfel (born June 21, 1954) is an American politician who is a Democratic member of the West Virginia Senate representing the 5th district. The 5th district includes all of Cabell County and a small portion of northern Wayne County. In 2022, Woelfel was chosen as Minority Leader of the Senate.

Political career Woelfel was first elected in 2014 to succeed Evan Jenkins, who left the Democratic Party and chose to run for Congress as a Republican. Woelfel's victory was a rare pick up for the Democratic Party during a year that otherwise saw major Republican gains in West Virginia. In 2020, Woelfel was appointed as Minority Whip for the Senate Democratic caucus. Two years later, Woelfel became the Minority Leader after his predecessor, Stephen Baldwin, lost re-election. In 2023, Woelfel voted against HB 3018, which would establish 18 as the age of consent for marriage. He was the sole 'nay' vote.

Personal life Woelfel maintains a private personal injury law firm with his son, Matthew Woelfel. Prior to his time in the Senate, Woelfel served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Cabell County and was appointed, on a part-time basis, to a juvenile judicial office for the Supreme Court of Appeals.

Election results