WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito took to the floor of the Senate Tuesday to recognize the accomplishments of six-term West Virginia First District Congressman David McKinley.
McKinley, a former member of the state House of Delegates and West Virginia Republican Party Chairman, lost his bid for a seventh term when he was defeated in the May election by Rep. Alex Mooney. The two ran against one another after the state lost a congressional district following the 2020 U.S. Census.
Capito said McKinley’s professional career before reaching Congress helped him be an effective lawmaker.
“As the only licensed engineer in the House of Representatives, and if you didn’t know that David is quick to tell you, his unique and thoughtful analysis to challenges has helped his constituents immensely and has helped make West Virginia a better place,” Capito said.
She added McKinley has helped her understand some complex issues.
Capito has known McKinley for years. They share growing up in the Northern Panhandle. He was a good friend of her parents.
Capito described McKinley as a problem-solver who researched issues and then made up his mind where he stood.
“I admire David’s tenacity and decisiveness. You really never have to wonder what David McKinley thinks on a certain topic and for that we should all be grateful,” Capito said.
Capito also congratulated McKinley’s wife Mary,a past national president of the American Association of Critical Care-Nurses.