Patricia Rucker

Patricia Rucker is a Republican member of the West Virginia Senate, representing the 16th district since January 11, 2017. Rucker serves as chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, where she has attracted attention for being a huge proponent for education and small business in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

Patricia Rucker
Member of the West Virginia Senate
from the 16th district
Assumed office
January 11, 2017
Serving with John Unger
Preceded byHerb Snyder
Personal details
Born
Patricia Elena Puertas[1]

(1974-04-27) April 27, 1974
Caracas, Venezuela
Political partyRepublican
ResidenceHarpers Ferry, West Virginia, U.S.
Alma materTrinity Washington University (B.A.)

The first Hispanic woman to represent West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, Rucker emigrated from Venezuela with her family in 1981 and became a U.S. citizen in 2004.[1]

Election results

2020: After running unopposed in the 2020 Republican primary, Rucker faced Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Dougherty in the November 3, 2020 general election.[2] Rucker beat Dougherty by a slim 52-48% margin to win a second term.[3]

West Virginia Senate District 16 (Position B) election, 2020[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Patricia Rucker (incumbent) 25,582 51.84%
Democratic Pete Dougherty 23,768 48.16%
Total votes 49,350 100.0%

2016: After the retirement of Herb Snyder, Rucker ran for the Republican nomination in the open seat race. Rucker, a teacher and president of We The People of West Virginia and Jefferson County, a local tea-party affiliate, faced attorney and lobbyist Joe Funkhouser in the Republican primary.[5] Rucker beat Funkhouser 56-44% to advance to the November general election.[6] Rucker faced Delegate Stephen Skinner in a rematch of their 2014 House race. Rucker defeated Skinner 53%-47%.

West Virginia Senate District 16 (Position B) election, 2016[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Patricia Rucker 22,499 52.79%
Democratic Stephen Skinner 20,122 47.21%
Total votes 42,621 100.0%
West Virginia Senate District 16 (Position B) Republican primary, 2016
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Patricia Rucker 5,359 55.95%
Republican Joe Funkhouser 4,219 44.05%
Total votes 9,578 100.0%


West Virginia House District 67 election, 2014[8]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Stephen Skinner (incumbent) 2,636 51.29%
Republican Patricia Rucker 2,503 48.71%
Total votes 5,139 100.0%

References
  1. Jayme Metzgar (February 14, 2017). "Meet the Venezuelan-Born Mom Who Ran for State Senate to Stop Socialism". The Federalist. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  2. Umstead, Matthew (September 17, 2020). "Dougherty opposes Rucker in her bid for second term in W.Va. Senate". The Herald Mail-Media.
  3. "November 3, 2020 General Election Results".
  4. "Statewide Results: General Election - November 3, 2020". West Virginia Secretary of State. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  5. Belisle, Richard (April 11, 2016). "Two seek GOP nod in W.Va. 16th Senate District race". The Herald-Mail Media.
  6. "Statewide Results General Election - November 8, 2016". Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  7. "Statewide Results: General Election - November 8, 2016". West Virginia Secretary of State. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  8. "Statewide Results: General Election - November 4, 2014". West Virginia Secretary of State. Retrieved October 30, 2017.


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