Senator Patricia Puertas Rucker represents West Virginia's 16th District . Born April 27, 1974, in Caracas, Venezuela, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1981 as a first-generation American citizen. A homeschooling mother of five children—Catherine, Ambrose, Gregory, Xavier, and Teresa—she lives with her husband, James M. Rucker Jr., on a hobby farm in Harpers Ferry, where she enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and raising chickens and ducks. Previously a social studies teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools, she is active in St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 4-H, WV4Life-Jefferson County, and community ministries aiding the homeless. She co-founded We the People of West Virginia-Jefferson County and affiliates with Farm Bureau, Eastern Panhandle Business Association, and Gateway Republican Women.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in History from Trinity College .
• Political Experience: Elected to the West Virginia State Senate in 2016, re-elected in 2020 and 2024, currently serving her third term as Assistant Majority Leader. Chairs the Government Organization Committee and co-chairs the Rule-Making Review Joint Committee; previously chaired Education and vice-chaired Agriculture and Rural Development. Serves on the American Legislative Exchange Council Executive Board and WV Court Appointed Special Advocates .
• Notable Achievements: Lead sponsor of bills protecting the unborn and establishing school choice via the Hope Scholarship ; advocates for smaller government and transparency.