West Virginia's 5th congressional district is an obsolete district existing from 1903 to 1973. While the district's bounds were changed over the years, for most of its existence it was focused on Bluefield and the coal producing southwestern part of the state. For the last 40 years of its existence, it was held by the Kee family. In the 1970 redistricting, most of the district was combined with the 4th district. As of 2023, the state has two districts, the 1st covering the southern half of the state and the 2nd covering the northern half.
History The 5th district was formed in 1902. It was originally formed of Mason, Putnam, Cabell, Lincoln, Wayne, Boone, Lincoln, Mingo, Raleigh, Wyoming, McDowell, and Mercer counties. It was revised in 1916 to consist of Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo, Logan, McDowell, Wyoming, Mercer, Summers, and Monroe counties. In 1934, Wayne, Lincoln, and Logan were removed and Greenbrier was added. It was unchanged for 1952. In 1962, Greenbrier was removed and Fayette was added. The district was abolished in the 1972 redistricting.
List of representatives Representative Party Dates Congress Electoral history District established March 4, 1903 James A. Hughes Republican March 4, 1903 – March 3, 1915 Redistricted from the and re-elected in 1902.Re-elected in 1904.Re-elected in 1906.Re-elected in 1908.Re-elected in 1910.Re-elected in 1912.Retired. Edward Cooper Republican March 4, 1915 – March 3, 1919 Elected in 1914.Re-elected in 1916.Lost renomination. Wells Goodykoontz Republican March 4, 1919 – March 3, 1923 Elected in 1918.Re-elected in 1920.Lost re-election. Thomas J. Lilly Democratic March 4, 1923 – March 3, 1925 Elected in 1922.Lost re-election. James F. Strother Republican March 4, 1925 – March 3, 1929 Elected in 1924.Re-elected in 1926.Retired. Hugh I. Shott Republican March 4, 1929 – March 3, 1933 Elected in 1928.Re-elected in 1930.Lost re-election. John Kee Democratic March 4, 1933 – May 8, 1951 Elected in 1932.Re-elected in 1934.Re-elected in 1936.Re-elected in 1938.Re-elected in 1940.Re-elected in 1942.Re-elected in 1944.Re-elected in 1946.Re-elected in 1948.Re-elected in 1950.Died. Vacant May 8, 1951 – July 17, 1951 Elizabeth Kee Democratic July 17, 1951 – January 3, 1965 Elected to finish her husband's term.Re-elected in 1952.Re-elected in 1954.Re-elected in 1956.Re-elected in 1958.Re-elected in 1960.Re-elected in 1962.Retired. James Kee Democratic January 3, 1965 – January 3, 1973 Elected in 1964.Re-elected in 1966.Re-elected in 1968.Re-elected in 1970.Redistricted to the and lost renomination. District dissolved January 3, 1973
References
Congressional Biographical Directory of the United States 1774–present