CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Delegate Larry Kump, R-Berkeley, died Saturday at the age of 78, state officials confirmed.
Kump, who represented the 94th District in the West Virginia House of Delegates, first took office in 2010. He served from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2020. After being elected a third time in 2022, he continued serving until his death.
Background and Career
Born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Kump earned an associate degree from Hagerstown Community College and later obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science from Frostburg State University.
Before entering politics, Kump worked in corrections, where colleagues said he focused not only on public safety but also on rehabilitation and counseling efforts for offenders.
Tributes From State Leaders
Gov. Patrick Morrisey described Kump as “a devoted public servant who spent many years of his life improving West Virginia.”
Secretary of State Kris Warner also extended condolences, as did U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, who called Kump a “hard worker and committed family man.”
The West Virginia Republican Party praised Kump as a principled conservative dedicated to limited government and individual liberty. Party Chairman Josh Holstein said Kump “served with conviction and always put his constituents first.”
The West Virginia Democratic Party also honored Kump, describing him as a thoughtful and independent lawmaker who earned respect across party lines. Party Chair Mike Pushkin said Kump “never lost sight of the people he served.”
Personal Legacy
Colleagues remembered Kump for his distinctive sense of humor and his deep devotion to his wife, Cheryl, and their family.
His cause of death has not been released.
Kump’s passing leaves a vacancy in the 94th District seat and marks the end of more than a decade of intermittent legislative service in West Virginia.