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West Virginia House Honors Former Delegate and Minority Leader Doug Skaff
Skaff's life and public service were recognized after his death in a car accident last year.
Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:39pm
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The West Virginia House of Delegates unanimously approved a resolution honoring the life and public service of former Delegate and Minority Leader Doug Skaff, who passed away in a car accident in June 2025. Skaff represented Kanawha County in the state House from 2008 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2023, serving as Minority Leader for the Democratic Party from 2020 to 2023 before switching to the Republican Party and running unsuccessfully for Secretary of State in 2024.
Why it matters
Skaff's passing marks the end of an era in West Virginia politics, as he was a prominent figure in the state legislature for over a decade. The bipartisan recognition of his service highlights the respect he commanded across the aisle, even as political divisions have deepened in recent years.
The details
The House resolution, read by Clerk Jeff Pack, noted Skaff's tenure as Minority Leader and his business accomplishments as the owner of HD Media, which operates several West Virginia newspapers. Skaff's family was present in the chamber to receive the honor.
- Skaff represented Kanawha County in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 2008 to 2014, and again from 2018 to 2023.
- Skaff served as minority leader for the Democratic Party from 2020 to 2023.
- In October 2023, Skaff switched political affiliations to the Republican Party and announced a bid for Secretary of State.
- Skaff lost the primary election for the Republican ticket for Secretary of State in May 2024.
- Skaff passed away in a car accident in June 2025.
The players
Doug Skaff
Former Delegate and Minority Leader in the West Virginia House of Delegates, who represented Kanawha County from 2008 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2023. He served as Minority Leader for the Democratic Party from 2020 to 2023 before switching to the Republican Party and running unsuccessfully for Secretary of State in 2024.
Jeff Pack
Clerk of the West Virginia House of Delegates, who read the resolution honoring Doug Skaff's life and public service.
What they’re saying
“His legacy will be remembered not only through the laws he helped craft, but through the friendships he forged and the mentorship he provided to many who sought to serve the Mountain State.”
— Jeff Pack, Clerk, West Virginia House of Delegates
The takeaway
The bipartisan recognition of Doug Skaff's service in the West Virginia House of Delegates, even after he switched political parties, underscores the respect he commanded across the aisle and the lasting impact he had on the state's political landscape.
