West Virginia GOP elects youngest chair in party history

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) – The West Virginia Republican Party has elected a new chairman.

At 23 years old, Josh Holstein is the youngest Republican National Committee (RNC) member in the nation, according to the West Virginia GOP.

Holstein has represented District 32 in the West Virginia Legislature since 2020. He said he has never let his age stop him from running for office.

“Age has always been something for me that I’ve not allowed to be a barrier. The folks in my county, and the folks of West Virginia, have always overlooked age and have always looked at ability,” Holstein said.

He added that young adults are ready for their generation to become the next leaders.

“Young folks are tired of the establishment. I believe on both sides of the aisle, we have an invigorated base of young folks, and that’s contributing to our wins up and down the ballot here in West Virginia amongst the Republican Party,” Holstein said.

On the other side of the aisle, the West Virginia Young Democrats are re-charting with the Young Democrats of America after several years.

The Young Democrats were last charted in 2021, and current interim president Olivia Dowler said it’s important now more than ever for young people to take leadership roles.

“We have a big opportunity in front of us, and I’m really glad and grateful to see young people not only be accepted at the table but being able to lead at these tables right now,” Dowler said.

Dowler said the West Virginia Young Democrats are hoping to create more chapters in high schools and colleges around the state.

Both young leaders said they are excited for the future of both parties throughout the Mountain State.