Jay Rockefeller, who governed West Virginia and spent decades in the U.S, according to WVU Today. Senate as the sole Democrat and final political figure from his famous family dynasty, has passed away. He was 89.
From a New York Fortune to Rural West Virginia
Born John D. Rockefeller IV in New York City, he was the great-grandson of Standard Oil Co. founder John D. Rockefeller. Rather than following his family’s traditional path in Republican politics, Rockefeller moved in 1964 to Emmons, West Virginia, to serve as a Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) worker. Shortly after moving to the Mountain State, he launched his political trajectory, holding office in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1966 to 1968, working as Secretary of State between 1968 and 1972, leading West Virginia Wesleyan College as president from 1973 to 1976, and serving as governor of West Virginia from 1977 to 1985.
Senator Jay Rockefeller’s passing is sad news to all of West Virginia. His years of dedicated service as Governor and Senator truly reflect the love he had for his great state. Senator Rockefeller worked hard for West Virginians and made a difference in countless lives. Cathy…
That early grassroots work became the cornerstone of his political identity. It explains every policy I pursued and every vote I have cast. It was where my beliefs were bolted down, and where my passions met my principles,
he said in an emotional farewell speech from the Senate floor on December 4, 2014. During his tenure as governor from 1977 to 1985, he later sought the Senate seat. In Rockefeller’s 1980 gubernatorial race against Republican Arch Moore Jr., bumper stickers appeared saying: Make Him Spend It All, Arch.
Rockefeller’s vast wealth was always a source of conversation and an undercurrent in his political races.
Senate Career and Personal Wealth in Politics
Following his gubernatorial service, Rockefeller won election to the U.S. Senate in 1984, succeeding retiring Democrat Jennings Randolph. He served in the Senate for just shy of 30 years, stepping down in 2015. He and his spouse, Sharon—whose father was the former Republican Illinois Senator Charles Percy—readily integrated into Washington’s social sphere by acquiring a multimillion-dollar residence for their household. Openly embracing his $150 million inherited fortune to secure electoral victories, he poured millions upon millions of his own dollars into his campaigns and achieved comfortable victory margins across all five of his terms, spending 25 years as the state’s junior senator prior to advancing to senior senator.
Serving as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, he fought for consumer protections by pushing to improve broadband infrastructure and introducing legislation to prevent companies from tracking their customers’ online behavior. In 1997, he penned the measure that established the Children’s Health Insurance Program, providing support for lower-income households whose earnings exceed the threshold for Medicaid eligibility. From an economic standpoint, his ties to Toyota's founding family stretched back to the 1960s, and he was central in persuading the Japanese vehicle manufacturer to select a cornfield in Buffalo, West Virginia, for a 1996 engine component facility. The $2 billion plant now employs about 2,200 workers.
Tributes from West Virginia Leaders
Elected officials across the political spectrum offered remembrances on Friday. Sen. Capito on Friday called Rockefeller a true gentleman
who treated her with respect, kindness and encouragement.
Former Senator Joe Manchin, who is also a former West Virginia governor, described Rockefeller as a mentor.
I looked up to Jay as a mentor and as a friend. When I ran for my first full term in the U.S. Senate, he couldn’t have been a better mentor or tutor.
When Jay Rockefeller came to West Virginia back in the early 1960s, we were so excited and starstruck because we knew his incredible family legacy. We knew he could have gone anywhere in the world, but he chose to come to West Virginia, and most importantly, he chose to call West… pic.twitter.com/4SWPVahgXK
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in a statement:
Deeply saddened by the passing of former Senator and Governor Jay Rockefeller. Jay dedicated his life to serving West Virginia and our nation, leaving a lasting legacy. He was always a true gentleman who treated me with respect, kindness, and encouragement. Over the years, we…
From his early work in some of our state’s most disadvantaged communities to his efforts to strengthen healthcare, protect coal miners and their families, and support our veterans, Senator Rockefeller demonstrated a deep commitment to the people of West Virginia.
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