Paul Hardesty
Paul Hardesty | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 4, 1963 Man, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Political figure, lobbyist |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | West Virginia State Senator (2019–2020) |
Paul Hardesty (born February 4, 1963) is an American political figure and lobbyist who held a seat in the West Virginia Senate from 2019 until 2020. A member of the Democratic Party, he served the 7th district, which encompasses Boone, Lincoln, and Logan counties, along with portions of Mingo and Wayne counties.
Prior to his tenure in the state Senate, Hardesty was president of the Logan County Board of Education from July 2016 until January 2019. Additionally, he worked as a legislative assistant to Governors Bob Wise and Joe Manchin between 2001 and 2007. His background also includes experience as a registered coal industry lobbyist advocating for firms connected to then-Governor Jim Justice.
Early life
Born on February 4, 1963, in Man, West Virginia, Paul Hardesty is the son of Larry D. and Donna B. Hardesty. He completed his secondary education at Richlands High School and identifies as a Baptist.
Appointment
Following the resignation of Richard Ojeda from the West Virginia Senate in 2019—who stepped down to concentrate on his 2020 presidential bid—the Democratic committee representing the 7th district put forward three nominees: Hardesty, former state delegate Harry Keith White, and ex-state senator Art Kirkendoll. Governor Jim Justice appointed Hardesty on January 17, 2019, to fill the vacant seat; Hardesty officially began his service the following day.
This appointment generated debate due to Hardesty’s previous role as a registered lobbyist for coal companies associated with Governor Justice. Although Hardesty ceased his lobbying activities upon taking office, Ojeda criticized the selection as the governor installing "his own personal puppet" and attempted—without success—to withdraw his resignation.
Committee assignments
- Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (2019–2020)
- Committee of the Whole (2019–2020)
- Interstate Cooperation Committee (2019–2020)
- Judiciary Committee (2019–2020)
- Military Committee (2019–2020)
- Natural Resources Committee (2019–2020)
Legislative actions
In February 2019, Hardesty supported legislation raising the minimum legal age for tobacco purchases to 21 years old and criminalizing smoking in vehicles carrying children. He referenced his own childhood experiences of discomfort caused by exposure to smoke during car rides.
By March 2019, he opposed House Bill 2519, which proposed allowing individuals with concealed carry permits to bring firearms onto college campuses—a stance consistent with that of all higher education institutions in West Virginia.
In 2023, Hardesty publicly backed Republican candidate Moore Capito for Governor and made a financial contribution of $5,600 to Capito’s campaign, as documented by the West Virginia Secretary of State.