A West Virginia lawmaker who was charged with making terroristic threats wasn't permitted to take the oath of office required to serve in the Legislature.

The West Virginia Legislature gaveled in Wednesday as constitutionally required to receive election results, swear in members, and select its leaders for the next two years before gaveling back out, returning in February to begin the 60-day regular session.

Rep. Mooney decided to run for U.S. Senate last year. He was defeated in the May Primary Election by U.S. Senator-elect, Gov. Jim Justice. Mooney said the one thing that has stuck out to him from the beginning of his tenure to now is the amount of constituent cases he has helped solve.

The Senate’s top leadership position was open because Craig Blair, who has held the position since 2021, was defeated in the Republican primary election.

The past year saw several major stories in the world of West Virginia state government, including the end of a major Democratic political dynasty with the retirement of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, while Republicans secured all major statewide elected offices.

Three newly elected lawmakers are set to join the Virginia General Assembly after winning special elections on Tuesday, but their victories leave the balance of power in the closely divided legislature unchanged.

In state Senate District 10 to the west of Richmond ... As of Tuesday, there will be 301 days until Virginia’s general elections for governor and state House of Delegates.

Four days before stepping down to join the U.S. Senate and turn over the keys to Governor-Elect Patrick Morrisey, outgoing Gov. Jim Justice gave a goodbye address to a joint session of the West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates Wednesday.