Definition David Bennett McKinley is an American politician and engineer who served as a U.S. Representative for West Virginia's 1st congressional district from 2011 to 2023. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Overview McKinley's political career spans both state and federal levels. Prior to his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, he served in the West Virginia House of Delegates for 14 years and chaired the West Virginia Republican Party. As a congressman, he focused on issues pertinent to West Virginia, including energy, infrastructure, and healthcare, often advocating for the state's coal industry.
Early Life and Education David McKinley was born on June 21, 1947, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Purdue University in 1969. Following his education, McKinley worked as a civil engineer and was involved in business, including the founding of a consulting firm.
Political Career and Characteristics McKinley began his political career by serving in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1980 to 1994. During this period, he also served as the chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party from 1990 to 1994.
In 2010, McKinley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing West Virginia's 1st congressional district. He served six terms, from January 3, 2011, to January 3, 2023. In Congress, McKinley was known for his conservative voting record and his strong support for traditional energy industries, particularly coal. He consistently opposed legislation perceived as detrimental to the fossil fuel sector. He was also an advocate for infrastructure improvements.
Notable votes during his congressional career include:
- Voting in favor of the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Voting against the certification of the 2020 presidential election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania.
- Voting in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, aligning with some Democrats on the issue despite party-line divisions.
In 2022, due to redistricting that merged West Virginia's 1st and 2nd districts, McKinley faced fellow Republican incumbent Alex Mooney in the primary election and was defeated, ending his congressional career.
Related Topics
- U.S. House of Representatives
- West Virginia politics
- Republican Party
- Energy policy in the United States
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act