Jay Rockefeller, former West Virginia governor and US senator who was part of a dynasty, dies at 89

POLITICO · Associated Press · 2026-11-06 14:52 UTC

Rockefeller came from one of the nation’s richest families to spend a half century in public service in one of the poorest states.

Rockefeller came from one of the nation’s richest families to spend a half century in public service in one of the poorest states.

11/06/2026 2:52 PM UTC

CHARLESTON, West Virginia — Jay Rockefeller, the last member of his family’s political dynasty — and the only Democrat — who served as West Virginia’s governor and later a longtime U.S. senator, has died. He was 89.

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