Trenton Barnhart
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trenton Carl Barnhart (born November 12, 1996) is an American politician who is a Republican member of the West Virginia Senate. He previously served in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Trenton Barnhart | |
|---|---|
| Member of the West Virginia Senate from the 3rd district | |
| Assumed office January 27, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Donna Boley |
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 9th district | |
| In office December 1, 2022 – January 27, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Dennis Kimes |
| Succeeded by | Betsy Kelly |
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 7th district | |
| In office September 17, 2019 – December 1, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Jason Harshbarger |
| Succeeded by | Charles Sheedy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Trenton Carl Barnhart November 12, 1996 St. Marys, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | B.A., M.B.A. University of Charleston |
Early life, education, and career
Barnhart was born in St. Marys, West Virginia to Mark and Lori Barnhart. He has a B.A. and an M.B.A from the University of Charleston. He was employed as a community banker and compliance auditor. He was also a member of the Pleasants County Republican Executive Committee.[1]
Elections
2019
Barnhart was appointed by West Virginia governor Jim Justice following the resignation of Delegate Jason Harshbarger, on September 17, 2019.[2]
2020
In his first primary election, Barnhart was challenged by fellow Republican Kerry Murphy, whom he defeated with 53.65% of the vote.[3]
Barnhart won unopposed in the general election.[4]
2026
In January, 2026, Barnhart was appointed to the West Virginia Senate by governor Patrick Morrisey following the resignation of Senator Donna Boley.[5]
Tenure
Committee assignments
- Workforce Development (Vice Chair)[6]
- Banking and Insurance
- Government Organization
- Health and Human Resources
- Small Business and Economic Development
Barnhart is an Assistant Majority Whip in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates.
Barnhart had a 14% rating from the West Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club as of 2020.[7]
Gun rights
Barnhart is a member of the National Rifle Association of America.[1] He has an A rating from the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun rights organization, of which he is member, as of 2020.[8] Barnhart was a sponsor of HB 2739, a bill that would declare West Virginia a Second Amendment "sanctuary state."[9]
DC statehood
With many of his fellow Delegates, Barnhart signed onto a resolution requesting West Virginia Senators and Congressmen to oppose bills that would allow statehood for the District of Columbia.[10]