David Kelly (Born November 8, 1956) is an American politician who has served as a Delegate from the 6th district to the West Virginia House of Delegates since 2020. Kelly is a Republican.
Early life, education, and career
Kelly was born in Petersburg, West Virginia to Darlene Dotson Kelly and John E. Kelly. He has a PhD in divinity. Kelly served 20 years in law enforcement, including two terms as a sheriff. He also served as the Tyler County commissioner before running to be a delegate.[1]
Elections
2018
In his primary, Kelly defeated fellow Republican Alex King with 53.05% of the vote to earn the nomination.[2]
Kelly defeated Democrat T. Chris Combs and Independent J. Scott Beaver with 67.05% of the vote in the general election.[3]
2020
In his second primary election, Kelly ran unopposed.[4]
Kelly defeated Democrat Cindy Welch with 72.70% of the vote to win reelection in the general election.[5]
Tenure
Committee assignments
Select Committee on Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse (Chair)[6]
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Judiciary
Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security
Kelly is the Assistant Majority Whip in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates.
Kelly has a 77% lifetime rating from the American Conservative Union.[7] He also has a B− rating from the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun rights organization, as of 2020.[8] Kelly had a 16% rating from the West Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club as of 2020.[9]
Personal life
Kelly is married to Jan Kelly and has four children. He is a Protestant.[1]