Tom Willis is a West Virginia State Senator representing the 15th district (Berkeley County area) since November 2024. He is a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret officer with 25+ years of military service, attorney, businessman, and community leader. Willis was born in the Eastern Panhandle and is a Christian, husband, and father of three surviving children. He earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia, J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law, and L.L.M. in tax law from Georgetown University Law Center. Willis defeated incumbent and powerful State Senate President Craig Blair in the 2024 primary, proving he could challenge established politicians. He was appointed to lead the West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee in December 2025 despite being a freshman senator and running for U.S. Senate. Willis ran for U.S. Senate in 2018, coming in fourth in the Republican primary with approximately 10% of the vote.
Willis earned degrees from the University of Virginia (B.A.), University of Oregon School of Law (J.D.), and Georgetown University Law Center (L.L.M. in tax law). He is a 25-year member of the West Virginia National Guard, serving as a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret with deployments across the globe including South America and the Middle East. Willis speaks English, French, Spanish, and Russian and is a published author. He has appeared as a guest on FOX Business, CNN, and i24 News. Willis is a businessman and attorney in the Eastern Panhandle with focus on real estate. He is married to Sara and together they have three surviving children; he was previously married and had a son who died from cancer and a daughter who also passed away. He helped found the Rick Herrema Foundation supporting military families. Willis serves on the Board of Advisors for the Hunter Carlos Willis Aviation Program at Shepherd University. He owns Glen Ferris Inn in partnership with Harrison Gilliam.
Anti-establishment; calls for new leadership in Washington
'It's time for a change. West Virginia has been let down. She's been up in Washington, D.C., for too long'
Voting History: Defeated powerful State Senate President Craig Blair in 2024 primary; has only been in state office since 2024
Strict constitutionalist; defends 2nd Amendment and parental rights
Took oath 'to Support and Defend the Constitution' with 'no expiration date'
Voting History: Limited state legislative record; has not yet served a full legislative session as state senator
Strongly opposes transitions for minors; opposes drag events in public
'I will not allow minors to be injected with the same chemical castration drugs that have been used to sterilize rapists'
Voting History: No state record votes yet on these issues
100% pro-life from conception
Campaign claim: Holds 100% pro-life voting record in state senate
Voting History: Recently elected; limited voting record available
Opposed to Capito's support for refugee resettlement
Cited Capito's vote for $13 billion Afghan refugee resettlement as a key campaign criticism
Voting History: Not yet voted on federal refugee policy
Absolute support for Second Amendment without restriction
Opposes all red flag laws and weapon bans; emphasizes unconditional gun rights
Voting History: Endorsed by WV 2nd Amendment Coalition, Vets4VetLeadership PAC, and Oil and Gas Workers Association
Willis was elected to the West Virginia State Senate in November 2024 representing District 15 and assumed office in 2025. He was appointed as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman in December 2025, despite being a freshman senator. His full legislative voting record is limited, having only served for a few months in state office. He previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2018, placing fourth in the Republican primary with about 10% of the vote.
Campaign messaging emphasizes Christian conservative values, military leadership, and anti-establishment themes. Tone is direct and confrontational toward incumbent Capito; appeals to voters wanting generational change.
'Misinformation has been used against the senator before by Democrat opponents and this is more of the same.' Capito has a proven record and West Virginians know her well.
Response to Willis's primary challenge, defending Capito's record against Willis allegations