Mike Woelfel is a Democratic member of the West Virginia Senate representing District 5, which includes all of Cabell County and a small portion of northern Wayne County. He serves as Senate Minority Leader, a position he assumed in 2022 after being appointed Minority Whip in 2020. First elected in 2014 to succeed Evan Jenkins, his victory marked a rare Democratic pickup amid Republican gains in West Virginia. Woelfel has announced plans to retire from the Senate at the end of 2026. He is a lawyer residing in Huntington, WV, with a spouse named Julia.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in History from Marshall University; J.D. from West Virginia University.
• Professional Experience: Assistant Prosecutor ; Cabell County Juvenile Court Referee and WV Supreme Court of Appeals ; Adjunct Professor at Marshall University ; Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at St. Joseph High School.
• Senate Service : Chairs the Democratic minority; serves on key committees including Finance, Pensions and Retirement, Economic Development, Government Organization, Health and Human Resources Accountability, and others such as Veterans' Affairs, Rules, and Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health.