House Speaker Roger Hanshaw presents the resolution honoring Larry Kump to his wife, Cheryl Kump, on Monday, March 2, 2026. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography)
The West Virginia House of Delegates unanimously approved a resolution Monday morning honoring the life of Del. Honoring and honoring Larry Kump, who passed away over the weekend.
Kump, who was 78 years aged, represented Berkeley County in the state House of Representatives for nearly ten years, serving three terms (2010-2014, 2018-2020 and 2022 until his death). In January, Kump filed for re-election to his House seat.
The resolution passed Monday by his colleagues remembered Kump for “his independent streak and his commitment to limited government and individual freedom.” According to the resolution, Kump “dedicated his life to the principles of integrity and honesty in public policy.”
Kump’s death was announced by Gov. Patrick Morrisey in a social media post Sunday morning. Morrisey said Kump served “with a deep commitment to the principles he believed would strengthen our communities and protect our freedoms.”
“On behalf of the First Lady and I, we extend our condolences to Larry’s family, friends, former colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him,” Morrisey said. “His legacy of service and love for our state will never be forgotten.”
Kump was not represented in parliament for several weeks before he died over the weekend. On Monday, his desk in the chamber was decorated with flowers and a memorial portrait that stood next to a bobblehead of him.
His wife, Cheryl Kump, was accompanied to the House chamber on Monday to receive the resolution in honor of her late husband. Kump often spoke of Cheryl during speeches on the House floor, calling her his “beloved and stunning” wife. He also spoke fondly of their golden retriever, “Bodacious Bob the Wonder Dog,” whom he sometimes took to the Capitol in Charleston during legislative sessions.
Kump was known for his jokes and sayings during his time in the House of Representatives. His sayings – such as “great googly moogly” and “for sure and for sure” – were often repeated to him by his colleagues during debates and remarks.
On Sunday and Monday, expressions of condolence and remembrance for Kump were received from his fellow MPs and other heads of state.
Del. Josh Holstein, chairman of the state Republican Party, called Kump a “principled conservative, a patriot and a man who never shied away from defending the values in which he believed.”
“Larry acted with conviction and always put his constituents first,” Holstein said. “His commitment to limited government, individual freedom and the people of Berkeley County defined his time in office and he will be missed by his colleagues and constituents.”
Del. Mike Pushkin, chairman of the state Democratic Party, remembered Kump in a statement as “a thoughtful and dedicated lawmaker who brought a unique and valuable perspective to the House.”
“Drawing on his extensive professional background, he made significant contributions to discussions about public policy, governance and the criminal justice system,” the statement said. “He had an independent streak and was strong in his beliefs, but he carried himself with humility and respect for others. Colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognized his sincerity and commitment to doing what he believed was right for his constituents and the state.”
Kump’s 94th District seat will remain open until Morrisey appoints a replacement. The 2026 regular legislative session is scheduled to end on March 14.
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