Former U.S. Senator and West Virginia governor John D. “Jay” Rockefeller IV has died at the age of 89.
The Democratic political figure was from the prominent Rockefeller family of New York.
He served in the Senate for just shy of 30 years.
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West Virginia polititical figures spoke highly of Rockefeller in statements on Friday.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., said in a post on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Senator and Governor Jay Rockefeller. Jay dedicated his life to serving West Virginia and our nation, leaving a lasting legacy. He was always a true gentleman who treated me with respect, kindness, and encouragement.
“Over the years, we developed a wonderful friendship that transcended politics, and I will always be grateful for that. Above all, Jay loved his family. Charlie and I are keeping Sharon, their children and grandchildren, and the entire Rockefeller family in our prayers,” she added.
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Former Sen. Joe Manchin, who is also a former West Virginia governor, described Rockefeller as a “mentor.”
“I looked up to Jay as a mentor and as a friend. When I ran for my first full term in the U.S. Senate in 2012, Jay was on the front lines and helped me every step of the way. He showed me how to be an effective U.S. Senator and best represent our state. He couldn’t have been a better mentor or tutor,” Manchin wrote in part of a longer post on X.
Manchin, a longtime Democrat, announced toward the end of his Senate tenure that he switched “to register as an independent with no party affiliation.”
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Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.V., also commented on Rockefeller’s death, noting in a post on X, “Senator Jay Rockefeller’s passing is sad news to all of West Virginia. His years of dedicated service as Governor and Senator truly reflect the love he had for his great state. Senator Rockefeller worked hard for West Virginians and made a difference in countless lives. Cathy and I send our deepest love and prayers to Sharon, their children, and the entire Rockefeller family.”
Justice, who is also a former governor, won one West Virginia gubernatorial race as a Democrat then later won another contest as a Republican.
Current Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who is a Republican, said in part of a statement that Rockefeller’s “work helped shape our state and left a lasting mark on the lives of generations of West Virginians. His decades of service deserve our respect and gratitude, and his legacy will remain an important part of West Virginia’s history.”