CHARLESTON — In a floor speech Friday evening, Sen. Brian Helton (R-Fayette, 9) delivered a strong defense of the West Virginia State Senate’s accomplishments, directly pushing back against criticism from left-leaning Republicans within his own party.
Helton, a freshman senator, offered praise for Senate President Randy Smith (R-Tucker, 14) and credited the chamber’s conservative leadership for what he called “one of the most successful Senates in many years.”
The speech came just days after Sen. Vince Deeds (R-Greenbrier, 10) stirred controversy with remarks downplaying the Senate’s productivity, claiming the chamber had done nothing “noteworthy” this session. Helton’s comments Friday made no direct mention of Deeds, but his pointed defense of the Senate’s record left little doubt about the intent.
“We’ve accomplished a lot this session together,” Helton said. “We’ve done things in this body that haven’t been done before.”
Helton listed a series of Republican-led initiatives passed during the session, including legislation aimed at protecting religious freedom for parents, banning chemical abortions, and prohibiting the promotion of sexual orientation and gender ideology in public schools.
Among the session’s economic achievements, Helton highlighted the creation of multiple economic growth districts, the passage of a data center and microgrid bill, and universal licensing reforms intended to bolster free market access and reduce costs for businesses and healthcare.
“We’ve worked hard all session on quite possibly the largest, most comprehensive economic development program in the history of our state,” Helton said.
He also praised the chamber’s work on substance use disorder, including the passage of “Lauren’s Law,” which imposes tougher penalties on fentanyl dealers, and the reauthorization of the Joel Archer Substance Use Disorder Program. A whistleblower fund to protect those in recovery was also passed.
Helton used part of his remarks to criticize past state investments in green energy, referencing a struggling electric bus project as an example of misplaced priorities. He contrasted that with what he called a renewed focus on small business development.
“I’m really glad that we’ve moved away from some of these other economic development opportunities — these Green New Deal opportunities — where we’ve spent millions of dollars to build green buses,” Helton said.
Throughout the speech, Helton emphasized values of faith, family, and individual liberty — themes he said resonated with constituents across West Virginia.
“Growing up here in West Virginia, I was always taught that values matter,” he said. “We always have to do the right thing, regardless of whether it’s popular or enriches us.”
Helton reserved his highest praise for Senate President Smith, who he said led the chamber with “common sense solutions grounded in conservative values” and remained free from special interests.
“Your office is now used for the people and for our members,” Helton told the Senate President. “You have no allegiances, no special interest groups. You’re not beholden to anyone other than West Virginians.”
Closing his speech, Helton said he looked forward to continuing to serve alongside his colleagues.
“It’s truly been an honor. It’s truly been a pleasure,” he said. “I’m looking forward to serving with everyone here for many more years to come.”
