Earl Ray Tomblin was sworn in as governor of West Virginia on November 13, 2011, and was sworn in for his second term on January 14, 2013.
A self-employed businessman and former school teacher, Tomblin was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1974 at the age of 22 and served in the House until he was elected to the West Virginia Senate in 1980. Tomblin won a special gubernatorial election on October 4, 2011 to fulfill the remainder of Senator Joe Manchin’s term.
Throughout his years in public service, Tomblin remained dedicated to creating a better West Virginia. As governor, he has put West Virginians back to work and reduced the tax burden on families and businesses. Tomblin worked hard to establish a world-class education system, strengthen the state’s workforce and continue to grow West Virginia’s economy. Tomblin also spearheaded a number of initiatives to keep communities across the Mountain State safe through his landmark substance abuse, justice reinvestment and juvenile justice efforts.
Tomblin received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in business administration from Marshall University. He and his wife Joanne Jaeger Tomblin have one son, Brent.
