Evan Jenkins

Evan H. Jenkins is a former U.S. Representative from West Virginia, serving the state's 3rd congressional district from 2015 to 2018. A member of the Republican Party, Jenkins transitioned from the Democratic Party in 2013 and has had a diverse career in both politics and law. Before his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, he held various positions in the West Virginia Legislature and served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. His political career has been marked by significant electoral victories and a focus on issues pertinent to his constituents.

Early life and career

Evan Hollin Jenkins was born on September 12, 1960, in Huntington, West Virginia. He is the son of Dorothy C. Jenkins and the late John E. Jenkins Jr. Jenkins attended public schools in his hometown, where he laid the foundation for his future academic and professional pursuits. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education and business administration from the University of Florida in 1983. Following this, he pursued a legal education and obtained his Juris Doctor from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1987.

Jenkins began his professional career as the executive director of the West Virginia State Medical Association, where he gained experience in healthcare policy and administration. He also taught business law as an instructor at Marshall University, contributing to the education of future professionals in the field. His involvement in the business community included serving as the co-chairman of the Health Care Committee in the West Virginia State Chamber of Commerce and acting as general counsel for the organization. These roles provided Jenkins with a solid understanding of both legal and business matters, which would later influence his legislative priorities.

House tenure

Jenkins's political career at the state level began in 1994 when he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates as a member of the Democratic Party. He served in this capacity until 2002, when he transitioned to the West Virginia State Senate, representing the 5th district, which includes Cabell County and parts of Wayne County. During his time in the Senate, Jenkins was re-elected multiple times, demonstrating his electoral appeal and political acumen.

In 2013, Jenkins announced his decision to switch his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican, a move that aligned with the shifting political landscape in West Virginia. He prepared to run for the U.S. House of Representatives seat in the 3rd congressional district, which had been held by long-time Democratic incumbent Nick Rahall. Jenkins's campaign capitalized on the growing Republican sentiment in the state, which had seen a significant shift in voter preferences in recent years. In the 2014 general election, Jenkins defeated Rahall, marking a notable political shift in the district, which had not been represented by a Republican since 1957.

Jenkins's first term in the U.S. House began on January 3, 2015. He was re-elected in 2016, securing a substantial victory over his Democratic opponent, Matt Detch, with nearly 68% of the vote. During his time in Congress, Jenkins was a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership, a group focused on moderate Republican policies.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Jenkins served on several key committees, including the Committee on Appropriations. Within this committee, he participated in subcommittees that addressed various critical areas, such as Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, as well as Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. He also served on the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, where he contributed to discussions regarding the functioning and funding of Congress itself.

Jenkins was involved in various caucuses, including the Congressional Arts Caucus and the United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus. These memberships reflected his interest in promoting the arts and addressing environmental issues, aligning with broader national conversations on these topics.

In 2017, Jenkins announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Joe Manchin. His campaign focused on garnering support from Republican voters, but he ultimately lost the primary election in 2018 to West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. Following this defeat, Jenkins concluded his congressional career when his second term ended on September 30, 2018.

After leaving the House, Jenkins continued his public service by being appointed as a justice on the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in 2018, where he later served as chief justice in 2021. He resigned from the court in February 2022, marking another transition in his career.

Throughout his political journey, Jenkins has been known for his support of various policies, including his backing of the Trump administration's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. His legislative focus has often reflected the interests and concerns of his constituents in West Virginia, particularly in areas related to healthcare, economic development, and environmental conservation.

Evan H. Jenkins's career spans over two decades in public service, marked by significant electoral victories and a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents. His experiences in both state and federal government have shaped his perspectives on various issues, contributing to his role as a prominent figure in West Virginia politics.