MARTINSBURG — John Overington, the longest-serving member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and a fixture of conservative grassroots politics statewide and in the Eastern Panhandle for more than three decades, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was 79.
A Republican lawmaker known for his relentless focus on transparency, job creation and constitutional principles, Overington represented Berkeley County from 1984 until his retirement in 2019. He also served as Speaker Pro Tempore during his tenure in the House.
Born June 5, 1946, in Laurel, Maryland, Overington earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Washington College, Class of 1969, and later pursued graduate studies in philosophy at George Washington University. His academic background shaped his analytical approach to public policy and his deeply held views on individual liberty and limited government.
Overington entered the Legislature motivated by what he described as “three or four core issues,” including support for a federal balanced budget amendment through an Article V convention of states, right-to-work legislation, prevailing wage reform and expanding recorded roll-call votes on legislation to improve accountability.
He spent a decade advocating for a rule change requiring every bill to be decided by recorded vote, arguing that “the public had a right to know” how their elected officials voted on issues ranging from taxes to abortion to Second Amendment rights. The rule change was eventually adopted, a reform colleagues and observers often cited as one of his most lasting institutional contributions.
Overington also played a key role in legislation creating 100 single-member delegate districts, a change he had pushed for nearly 20 years. He consistently framed his legislative priorities around economic growth, arguing that “the best health care program, the best welfare program, is a good-paying job.”
Among his earliest legislative efforts was a bill to restore the Pledge of Allegiance in West Virginia schools.
Known for his accessibility to constituents, Overington regularly conducted surveys and mailed newsletters to voters in his district to gauge their views on public policy. He frequently joked that his “office” meetings with constituents took place at McDonald’s or Burger King, noting the stark difference between state legislators and members of Congress with staff and offices.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a statement Tuesday praising Overington’s legacy.
“John Overington. The longest serving delegate in state history, John was a conservative warrior, a gentleman, and a friend to all who knew him,” Morrisey said. “West Virginia owes a debt of gratitude to this man for his impeccable public service, his positive energy, and a life well lived. I learned so much from John Overington and am so sad to see him depart from our world. Take care, fine sir, a seat in Heaven awaits your arrival! I will miss our conversations.”
Throughout his career, Overington remained deeply involved in conservative grassroots activism, frequently attending community events and engaging directly with voters on issues of taxation, education and constitutional rights.
Overington’s last public statement made just Friday of last week was a quote from Thomas Jefferson: “As government grows, freedom recedes.”
He retired from the House in 2019 after 34 years of service, saying at the time that he had accomplished most of the goals that first led him to run for office.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.
