Governor Joe Manchin III

Accomplishments:

Joe Manchin III is West Virginia’s 34th Governor. As Governor, Joe Manchin is taking responsibility for improving our state’s economic climate so that we can retain and create good paying jobs with health care benefits for our state’s workforce and reduce West Virginia’s long-term debt. He is also committed to making affordable and accessible health care available to all our citizens, a seamless education system for our children, prescription drug assistance for our seniors, and a better support structure for our veterans.

Preparation to serve:

He was born and raised in the little coal town of Farmington, West Virginia where he learned at a very young age the value of commitment – commitment not only to his family, but to his community and neighbors as well. From his grandfather, an immigrant from Italy and the town grocer, he inherited a head for business, while from his grandmother, a virtual one-woman social services agency, he discovered his heart for people.

Growing up his dream was to play football in the NFL. However, after receiving a football scholarship to attend WVU he suffered a career-ending knee injury and quickly realized that he needed to get an education if he wanted to improve his life and provide for his family.

After graduating from college, he became a successful businessman. As a member of the legislature from 1982-1996, he earned a reputation for standing up for West Virginians to improve our schools, protect our veterans and senior citizens, and create jobs. Under his leadership as Secretary of State from 2000-2004, the office became known for providing excellent customer service.

In addition, its SHARES program promoted democracy to all schoolchildren and registered 42,000 high school students to vote. Subsequently, the 2004 General Election saw the highest number of West Virginians cast a vote since 1972.

Never forgetting his family’s commitment to their local community, he also served from 2000 to 2004 as president of the Marion County Rescue Squad.

Put simply, Governor Manchin believes that the people of West Virginia expect and deserve a Governor who works hard every day to make things better for our state and who uses common sense to remove any barriers standing in the way of our economic development and our children’s future. However, he also acknowledges that he can’t achieve success alone – it will take all West Virginians working together to achieve real and lasting change. That is why he is known throughout the state as a team builder who encourages cooperation and values all input.

Link to official site

Copyright & Paid for by The Democratic Governors Association

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