MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – With the 2024 general election over, a campaign to be the next Senate president is underway within the West Virginia Senate.

Several names have been mentioned as possible replacements for outgoing Senate President Craig Blair (R-Jefferson), who lost a primary challenge in May. Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo and Finance Committee Chair Eric Tarr (R-Putnam) have emerged as the two most likely candidates. Mike Oliverio (R-Monongalia) seriously explored the idea of putting his name in the running but after having conversations with other members of the senate chose to throw his support behind Takubo.

“I very much wanted to be the Senate President and talked to a lot of members and just simply wasn’t able to get 17 commitments that I would have their votes,” said Oliverio on WAJR’s Talk of the Town.

“I thought it made sense to position myself and my district to be effective going forward, so I have decided to support Tom Takubo.”

In addition to being a physician, and board-certified in multiple disciplines, Takubo is part of the senior leadership team for WVU Health System. In 2022, he was named the executive vice president of provider relations.

Oliverio said he and Takubo have already been talking with other Senators to try to secure the 17 votes needed for Takubo to serve as the next Senate President.

“There are some other good folks interested in being senate president and I’m not necessarily against them but I think what would be best for my district would be to have Tom in that leadership position. With that I think I would be in a place where I could contribute as much or more,” said Oliverio.

The 2025 legislative session will open on Jan. 8 but will recess until Feb. 12, following the inauguration of Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey.


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