Jay Wolfe


Jay Wolfe is an American business owner and former State Senator, and U.S. Senate candidate.

Early life, education, and business career

Wolfe was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia to Donald and Emogene Moore Wolfe. He graduated from Parkersburg South High School in 1973. He attended Marshall University and graduated from Glenville State College in 1977 with a degree in business administration.
He owns Wolfe Rentals LLC and Wolfe-Furner Insurance Inc.

Political career

In the 1980s, Wolfe was elected to one term in the West Virginia Senate. He was also a member of the Harrison County and State Republican Executive Committees.

1988 U.S. Senate campaign

Wolfe lost to incumbent Democrat but with the highest percentage of any other opponent of Robert C. Byrd. Byrd outspent Wolfe $3 million to $200,000.

2002 U.S. Senate campaign

Wolfe lost to incumbent Democrat Jay Rockefeller. Rockefeller outspent Wolfe $5 million to $150,000.

2008 U.S. Senate campaign

Wolfe lost a rematch to Rockefeller in a nearly identical margin but with Rockefeller spending more than he did in 2002.

Electoral history

Personal life

He married his high school girlfriend, Mollie. They have been married for over 40 years. He has four children and ten grandchildren.