Robert L. Karnes
Robert L. Karnes | |
|---|---|
| Member of the West Virginia Senate from the 11th district | |
| In office December 1, 2020 – December 1, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | John Pitsenbarger |
| Succeeded by | Robbie Morris |
| In office December 1, 2014 – December 1, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Gregory Tucker |
| Succeeded by | Bill Hamilton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 13, 1969 South Charleston, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence(s) | Czar, West Virginia, U.S. |
Robert Lee Karnes is an American politician born in and representing West Virginia. He is known for controversial, conservative rhetoric. He is a former Republican member of the West Virginia Senate, representing the 11th district from 2014 until 2018 and from 2020 to 2024.
Karnes initially took office after defeating Incumbent Democratic Senator Greg Tucker in 2014. This was the first election cycle in which West Virginian Republicans gained control in either the state House or Senate in over 80 years. Karnes then won re-election in the 2020 General Election after defeating Incumbent Republican Senator John Pitsenbarger in the 2020 Republican primary and Democrat Denise Campbell in the general election.
Karnes ran for re-election in 2024 but was defeated in the Republican primary by Robbie Morris.