Bill Ridenour is a Republican member of the West Virginia House of Delegates representing District 100 . Born on May 7, 1958, in Springfield, Ohio, he resides in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, with his wife Jean, and has three sons and one grandchild . A retired Marine Corps officer and defense intelligence officer with over 40 years of service, he was elected to the House in 2022. Notable positions include Assistant Majority Whip, and he serves on committees such as Homeland Security, Judiciary, and Legal Services. In 2026, he was the lead sponsor of 35 bills. He is a strong supporter of the First and Second Amendments, religious freedom, pro-life policies, legal immigration, small government, and tax reductions. Affiliations include West Virginia Citizens Defense League, Gun Owners of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars , and Eastern Panhandle Business Association. His religion is Wisconsin Synod Lutheran.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- BA in History, Purdue University

- Defense Intelligence College

- Marine Corps Command and Staff College

- Master’s in Economics, University of Oklahoma

- Distinguished Graduate and Master’s in Strategic Studies, Marine Corps War College

Political Experience:

- Elected to West Virginia House of Delegates, District 100 , in 2022; re-elected for 2024-2026 terms

- First ran for public office in 2022

- Serves as Assistant Majority Whip

- Lead sponsor of 35 bills in 2026

- Military service: Joined Marine Corps in the late 1970s, commissioned lieutenant, served in combat units in the 1980s, strategic intelligence officer covering Southeast Asia conflicts, retired in 2021 as Joint Staff J2 Chief of Strategic Policy