Cowles named Minority Whip

Delegate Daryl Cowles has been selected as Minority Whip for the upcoming legislative session. Cowles represents most of Morgan and part of Hampshire County in the House of Delegates.

He was named Minority Whip by Minority Leader Tim Armstead of Kanawha County. The Minority Whip works with Republican Caucus members and the House Leadership to advance policies and legislation through the legislative process.

“I look forward to working with our team and the House Leadership on common sense solutions to our problems,” Cowles said.

Minority Leader Armstead said: “Daryl Cowles will be an outstanding Minority Whip. He has a true grasp of our state’s budget and recognizes the challenges facing our state.  He has worked tirelessly to make our state a better place to live and work.”

Armstead said Cowles will play a leadership role in advancing the conservative policies and initiatives “to improve our economy, put our people back to work and enhance the quality of life for all West Virginians.”

The House Republican Caucus has grown in recent elections and, now, 46 of the 100 members of the House of Delegates are Republicans.

“In my six years in the House our caucus has seen a net gain of 18 seats – from 28 members to 46 members,” Cowles said. “Our input on policy and legislation has grown tremendously. I am eager for the challenge. There are many opportunities to improve our state government for the benefit of our citizens.”

Cowles also garnered a seat on the House Rules Committee and will again serve on the House Finance Committee, the only delegate from the four-county region. 

In addition, Cowles will serve as Minority Chairman of the Committee on Roads & Transportation, as Minority Vice-Chairman of the Political Subdivisions Committee and as a member of the Health & Human Resources Committee.

“I am very pleased with my challenging committee assignments as I think it provides a great opportunity to have a strong voice for the Eastern Panhandle in critical legislation affecting our area,” Cowles said.

As a result of the leadership promotion, Cowles’ office assignment has moved to the main office of the House Minority. His new mailing address is: Room 258M, Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305.

He can be contacted by phone at 304-340-3177 or by email at daryl.cowles@ wvhouse.gov.