William R. Wooton

William R. Wooton (born September 20, 1944) is an American attorney and politician who has served as a justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia since January 1, 2021. He served as chief justice in 2025.

Education Wooton received his Bachelor of Arts in business management from Marshall University and his Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University College of Law, where he was editor-in-Chief of the West Virginia Law Review, Order of the Coif, and graduated at the top of his class.

Political career

House of Delegates Wooton was a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates representing District 27 from 1978 to 1986, 1988 to 1990, and 2008 to 2010. He served as House Majority Leader from 1985 to 1986.

Senate Wooton served in the West Virginia Senate from 1991 through 2002 and also served as the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the court in 2016, losing to future colleague Beth Walker.

While the Court was hearing oral arguments on September 2, 2026, Wooton suffered a "medical emergency" which necessitated emergency personnel entering the courtroom and Wooton transported to a local hospital.

Personal life Wooton served in the West Virginia Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserve, reaching the rank of colonel.

He is married to his wife, Shir, and they have three adult sons and five grandchildren.

Electoral history