Longtime Democratic West Virginia House of Delegates member Mike Caputo has announced he’ll run for a seat in the state Senate. He made the announcement Tuesday at an event in Fairmont.
About a hundred supporters -- including a who’s who of north central West Virginia Democrats, union members and other locals -- packed into a hotel conference room to hear Caputo’s plans for the upcoming election.
Caputo, now retired as a United Mine Workers of America vice president, was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1996 and has served continuously since then.
His bid for the West Virginia Senate’s 13th District follows Minority Leader Roman Prezioso’s decision last month to not seek re-election. The district includes parts of Marion and Monongalia counties.
Caputo became embroiled in controversy during the 2019 legislative session after being angered by an anti-Muslim display at the Capitol. He kicked in the door of the House chamber and was later charged with battery as a result of the incident. He's scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Asked how the situation might affect his chances in 2020, Caputo declined to comment.
