Senator Shelley Moore Capito is West Virginia’s first female U.S. Senator and a lifelong advocate for public service, education, and infrastructure development. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000 and to the Senate in 2014, she has become a powerful voice for rural communities, economic growth, and youth opportunity.

With a career marked by pragmatic leadership and bipartisan cooperation, Senator Capito serves on several key Senate committees, including Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Her legislative work spans from broadband expansion and clean water access to opioid prevention and higher education affordability.

Senator Capito is a steadfast supporter of The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. Her presence at the program is not just ceremonial—she delivers direct, actionable advice to young leaders about civic duty, character, and finding your voice in public life. She often shares stories from her own upbringing and reminds Citizens that leadership doesn’t always begin with a title—it begins with a commitment to serve others.

Source: capito.senate.gov – Biography