Governor Appoints Charleston Lawyer and Former Chief Legal Counsel Carte Goodwin to West Virginia's Vacant U.S. Senate Seat 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today appointed Charleston attorney and former chief legal counsel, Carte P. Goodwin, to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant due to the passing of Senate icon and history’s longest serving member of Congress, Robert C. Byrd.   Gov. Manchin’s temporary appointment makes Goodwin the youngest sitting member of the U.S. Senate.

The governor noted that today’s appointment is a very important moment in our state’s history.  “Robert C. Byrd was a giant.  We can never replace him,” Gov. Joe Manchin said.  “I have waited to make this appointment because I felt that it was critical that we went through the process the right way.  I am very proud to appoint Carte to the United States Senate. Regardless of whoever occupies this seat now and in the future, it will always be known as West Virginia’s United States Senate Seat that was occupied for nearly 52 years by our beloved, faithful public servant, Robert C. Byrd. However, I am truly confident that Carte Goodwin will look out for West Virginia and he will make us proud.”

Mr. Goodwin is currently an attorney with the West Virginia law firm of Goodwin & Goodwin, LLP.  His practice includes commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, and intellectual property.

Mr. Goodwin served for four years (2005 to 2009), as general counsel to Gov. Joe Manchin.  During his time as general counsel, he also chaired the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Judicial Nominations.  In addition, Goodwin chaired the West Virginia School Building Authority and served as a member of the State Consolidated Public Retirement Board.  Following his return to private practice in 2009, Goodwin was appointed to chair the established Independent Commission on Judicial Reform, along with former Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor, which was tasked with evaluating the need for broad systemic reform to West Virginia’s judicial system.

The governor said that today another generation is taking up the mantle of leadership. “Carte understands the legislative process and has written legislation.  He understands the importance of bringing people together in order to bridge differences.  He is a tireless worker and has an unwavering love for, and devotion to West Virginia,” Gov. Manchin said.   

Prior to his work in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Goodwin served as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert B. King of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.  A native of Mt. Alto, West Virginia, Goodwin received his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio in 1996 and received a law degree from the Emory University School of Law, graduating Order of the Coif in 1999.

“I want to thank the Governor for entrusting me with this awesome responsibility,” Goodwin said.  “In turn, it is now my responsibility to work every day to earn the trust of my fellow West Virginians. I have no agenda, other than fighting for my state and putting the interests of her people first.  Robert C. Byrd, the greatest public servant West Virginia has ever known, and a true giant of American history, has left quite a legacy.  I cannot begin to replace Senator Byrd, nor can I hope to ever fill his shoes.  But what I can do is emulate his work ethic and his commitment to West Virginia.” 

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