Darren Thorne is a Republican state senator representing District 15 in West Virginia, which includes Hampshire and Morgan Counties and part of Berkeley County. A lifelong Hampshire County resident and commercial poultry farmer, he was appointed by Governor Jim Justice in December 2024 to fill a Senate vacancy left by Charles Trump. Previously, he served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from District 89, defeating incumbent Ruth Rowan in 2022 and winning re-election. Thorne is a Christian conservative who emphasizes defending personal liberty, protecting agriculture, property rights, and family farms. He supports medical freedom, informed consent, and exemptions from government coercion in healthcare decisions. Married for over 32 years with twins raised on the family farm, he previously worked as a truck driver.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: No specific details available on formal education; Thorne is noted for learning values of hard work, faith, and personal responsibility from being raised by a single mother.
• Political Experience:
  • West Virginia House of Delegates, District 89 .
  • West Virginia Senate, District 15 .
  • Sponsored 18 bills in 2026 and 8 in 2025 as lead sponsor.
  • Committee roles: Vice-Chair of Agriculture; member of Pensions and Retirement, Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Development, Workforce, Rule-Making Review, Finance, Government Organization, and Select Committee on School Choice.