Gary Howell is a Republican politician and small business owner representing District 87 in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Born on November 1, 1966, in Cumberland, Maryland, he serves as chairman of the Mineral County Republican Executive Committee and advocates for small businesses, consumers, and automotive interests. Notable achievements include the 2003 United States Small Business Administration Exporter of the Year award for West Virginia, 2006 Top 40 West Virginian under 40 by The State Journal, multiple Governor’s Commendations for International Market Entry , 2021 National State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus Lifetime Achievement Award, and Honorable Kentucky Colonel. He introduced the West Virginia Intrastate Coal and Use Act to protest EPA overreach and holds positions on CSG South’s Executive Committee and its Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs Committee .

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Keyser High School; attended Potomac State College; earned an Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science from Frostburg State University in 1990.
• Political Experience: Elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates for District 87 ; former Vice President of Mineral County Planning Commission; former Chair and current Vice Chair of Mineral County Republican Executive Committee; board member of Potomac Highland Guild; past President of Keyser Rotary Club; affiliations include National Rifle Association, SEMA, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and former member of West Virginia Motorsports Council.