CHARLESTON – Sen. Bob Beach, D-Monongalia, told The Dominion Post on Monday that he will not seek reelection in 2022.
“I’ve been actually contemplating this for quite a while now,” he said.
At the end of this term at the end of 2022, he’ll have been in office 21½ years – starting in the House and then moving to the Senate, where he served as Transportation chair until the GOP took over as the majority party.
“That’s a long time in the Legislature,” he said. “Taking that into consideration, and a couple projects I’d like to get off the ground in Morgantown, my thought is to not seek office again this coming election.”
Beach said he waited for the proposed redistricting maps to come forth so his decision wouldn’t affect how maps were drawn. But his announcement now also allows the party to find a new candidate.
He is pleased he was able to accomplish some things during his time, including leading the efforts for the passage of the TIF district that encompasses the WVU/Black Bears baseball stadium, University Town Centre and now Westridge; for saving WVNet in Morgantown (the state’s telecommunications and computing services provider) and for keeping Pierpont Community and Technical College from being absorbed into Fairmont State University last session.
Beach’s 13th District colleague, Sen. Mike Caputo, commented on Beach’s announcement.
“I’m deeply saddened that Sen. Beach has chosen no to seek reelection,” he said. “He has been a great senator.”
Caputo served in the House with Beach’s father and then with Beach when Beach took his father’s seat, Caputo said. “He’s served his constituents very well.”
Beyond that, Caputo said, “He’s become a very close friend of mine that I go to often to seek guidance and advice.”
Caputo said he’s sure Beach and his family will enjoy their additional time together. And he added with a chuckle, “He better not think I won’t be calling him from ask his advice. … He’s been a good friend.”
TWEET David Beard @dbeardtdp EMAIL dbeard@dominionpost.com
