Sen. Tom Willis, R-Berkeley, will serve as chairman of the West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography)
Sen. Tom Willis, a freshman Republican from Berkeley County, will lead the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is one of the state Senate’s most powerful committees and often reviews changes to state laws.
Willis is also running for U.S. Senate, vying to replace current Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito.
“I am humbled and honored that the Senate President has asked me to take on this leadership role for our great state,” said Willis, R-Berkeley. “As Chief Justice, I will continue my public service to the wonderful people of West Virginia, a journey I began 25 years ago when I joined the West Virginia National Guard in 2000.”
The Judiciary Chairman post was vacant after Mike Stuart left the Senate earlier this year act as legal counsel at the US Department of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump.
Senate President Randy Smith announced Tuesday that Willis will lead the Judiciary Committee effective immediately.
“His extensive knowledge and background made him an ideal candidate,” Smith, R-Preston, said in a statement. “I am honored that he was willing to take on this challenge and I am confident in his commitment to improving the lives of West Virginians and their families.”
Willis, a native of Hedgesville and describes himself As a “Christian constitutional conservative,” he was previously deputy chairman of the Justice Committee.
“The Judiciary is one of our busiest and most important committees, and I knew I needed a strong, reliable leader to take on this role,” Smith said.
Willis – a lawyer and businessman – was elected in November 2024 to represent the Fifth District, which includes portions of Berkeley, Morgan and Hampshire counties. Ahead of his election, Willis unseated longtime Democratic Senate President Craig Blair in the May primary. Blair held the seat for twelve years.
Willis served as a Special Forces Green Beret in the West Virginia National Guard.
He ran for U.S. Senate in 2018placed fourth in the Republican primary.
In July he did kicked off another campaign for the US Senate.
“While I am a declared candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2026 because it is time for change, you can be assured that I will give 110% to my work as Judiciary Chairman as we work together in the Legislature to advance economic prosperity for all West Virginians, improve educational outcomes and protect our personal freedoms,” Willis said.
Capito is expected to run for re-election next year to secure her third six-year term.
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