Former United States, West Virginia representative David McKinley dies at 79

WHEELING, W.Va. (WCHS) — Former West Virginia and United States representative David McKinley has died at 79.

McKinley, a civil engineer, business owner and congressman, was born in Wheeling in 1947 and graduated from Perdue University in 1970.

McKinley was member of the West Virginia House of Representatives from 1980 to 1995 and served six terms in Congress from 2011 to 2023.

Committee assignments included the House Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Investigations, Energy and Environment.

His family worked to build McKinley Architecture and Engineering which has steadily expanded to serve more than a dozen states over decades of operation.

From 1990 to 1994, McKinley was Chair of the West Virginia Republican Party. An unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign followed in 1996.

Several officials have reacted to McKinley’s death, looking back on years of service for West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., released the following statement:

David McKinley was a fighter. Not only did David fight for his principles and the causes he believed in, but he also fought hardest for his cherished West Virginia. As a proud eighth generation West Virginian, he espoused the values that are so embedded in our state. His dedication and commitment to our coal miners was second to none, and as the only licensed engineer in Congress during his time in the House of Representatives, he brought thorough analysis to the legislative process. He was also a dedicated WVU football fan—never missing a chance to cheer them on. My heart goes out to his devoted wife Mary and his family in sympathy for their loss and in gratitude for his decades of public service and friendship.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey also issued a statement:

Denise and I were saddened to learn of the passing of former congressman David McKinley. David devoted decades of his life to public service, representing West Virginia in the House of Delegates, leading the state Republican Party, and serving our people in the United States Congress. He cared deeply about West Virginia and worked tirelessly to advance our state, strengthen our economy, and improve the lives of the people he served. His commitment to public service and to the Mountain State leaves a lasting legacy. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife Mary, his children, and the entire McKinley family during this difficult time.