Ian Masters (politician)

Ian Masters
Member of the West Virginia House of Representatives
from the 91st district
Preceded byDon Forsht
Personal details
Born (1986-02-27) February 27, 1986
PartyRepublican
SpouseKatelyn Masters
Children4
EducationWest Virginia University

Ian T. Masters (born February 27, 1986) is an American politician and attorney who is currently serving as a Republican member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 91st district.[1] The district is based in Berkeley County.[2] He was appointed on January 23, 2025 to fill a vacancy left[3] after Democratic representative-elect Joseph de Soto was arrested.[4][5][6] A lawsuit was dismissed from the West Virginia Democratic Party over his appointment, due to de Soto switching party affiliations to Democrat prior to the vacancy.[7][8]

Personal life and career

Masters lives in Gerrardstown.[9] He is married to Katelyn Masters and has four children.[1] He is Christian.[10] He was the President of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun lobby.[11][12] He is a conservative.[13] He is an alumni of the West Virginia University College of Law.[14][15]

Political positions

Masters supports medical exemptions for K-12 vaccine mandates.[16]

References

  1. ^ a b "West Virginia House of Delegates". West Virginia Legislature. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  2. ^ "hse_prop1_sub_rev_book.pdf" (PDF). West Virginia Legislature. House Select Committee on Redistricting 2021. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  3. ^ Willingham, Leah (2025-01-08). "West Virginia lawmakers oust delegate-elect on house arrest who made terroristic threats | AP News". Associated Press. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  4. ^ Galang, Drew (2025-01-23). "Governor Patrick Morrisey names Ian Masters to fill vacancy in 91st House District | WV Office of the Governor". West Virginia Office of the Governor. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  5. ^ Willingham, Leah (2024-12-12). "Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats | AP News". Associated Press. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  6. ^ Coyne, Caity (2025-01-24). "Morrisey appoints Republican to Berkeley County House seat that Democrats say should be theirs". West Virginia Watch. States Newsroom. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  7. ^ Allen Adams, Steven (2025-01-29). "West Virginia Democratic Party Files New Lawsuit Over 91st District House of Delegates Seat". The Intelligencer. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  8. ^ Kersey, Lori (2025-03-13). "West Virginia Supreme Court dismisses Dems challenge over de Soto's House Seat". West Virginia Watch. States Newsroom. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  9. ^ McElhinny, Brad (2025-01-23). "Governor names Republican attorney to vacated, disputed House seat - WV MetroNews". MetroNews. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  10. ^ "West Virginia Legislature". West Virginia Legislature. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  11. ^ Willingham, Leah (2024-01-23). "Head of West Virginia gun lobby appointed to replace lawmaker-elect arrested for making threats | AP News". Associated Press. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  12. ^ Patterson, Jessica (2025-01-24). "Republican Ian Masters appointed to West Virginia House of Delegates to replace de Soto". wowktv. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  13. ^ Young, Matthew (2025-01-24). "Ian Masters named as Joseph de Soto's replacement in Berkeley County House District". Real West Virginia. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  14. ^ Allen Adams, Steven (2025-01-24). "Masters appointed to vacancy in West Virginia House | News, Sports, Jobs - News and Sentinel". The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  15. ^ Walker, Jack (2025-02-20). "Berkeley County Residents Hope Local Priorities Won't Be Lost In House Seat Shuffle - West Virginia Public Broadcasting". West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
  16. ^ Allen Adams, Steven (2025-03-19). "West Virginia House Health Committee removes religious, philosophical exemptions from vaccine bill". The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Retrieved 2025-06-09.