Patricia Rucker (born Patricia Elena Puertas on April 27, 1974, in Caracas) is a Republican member of the West Virginia Senate, representing the 16th district since January 11, 2017. Rucker served as the chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee from 2019 to 2022.[1]
2020: After running unopposed in the 2020 Republican primary, Rucker faced Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Dougherty in the November 3, 2020 general election.[3] Rucker beat Dougherty by a slim 52-48% margin to win a second term.[4]
West Virginia Senate District 16 (Position B) election, 2020[5]
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.[6] Rucker beat Funkhouser 56-44% to advance to the November general election.[7] 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[8]