Today in Wheeling History: June 2--Judith A. Herndon, a Wheeling native and attorney, was appointed to the West Virginia House of Delegates, serving for four years there and then six years in the State Senate, where she distinguished herself as a leader for tax reform, sunset legislation, sexual assault legislation, curbing bureaucratic power, and protecting civil liberties until her untimely death in 1980 at 39 (1970).
Judith A. Herndon (1941-1980) was a prominent attorney and public servant from Wheeling, West Virginia. Born on June 5, 1941, she attended local schools, including St. Michael's Grade School and Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy, before pursuing higher education at Mary Washington College, Duke University, and ultimately earning her Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1967.
Herndon began her legal career by joining her father, Richard G. Herndon, in his law practice in Wheeling. Her political journey started on June 2, 1970, when she was appointed to the West Virginia House of Delegates. She successfully ran for the House later that year and was re-elected in 1972. On July 3, 1974, Herndon was appointed to the State Senate, where she served until her untimely death in 1980 at the age of 39.
Throughout her decade-long legislative career, Herndon distinguished herself as a fiscal conservative and a passionate advocate for civil liberties. She was a leading figure in the Republican Party and a strong supporter of President Ronald Reagan. Herndon's legislative achievements included her efforts in tax reform, sunset legislation, sexual assault legislation, and curbing the power of bureaucratic government agencies.
Despite being the only female member of the West Virginia Senate at the time, Herndon never lost an election and was known for her courage, integrity, and compassion. Her untimely death due to cancer on November 19, 1980, at a Wheeling hospital, was a significant loss to the state and the legislative community. Senate President William T. Brotherton referred to her as "a legislative giant" and "one of the most outstanding legislators" he had ever served with.
Herndon's legacy continues to inspire future generations of public servants, and her dedication to the people of West Virginia remains an example of exemplary leadership. The Judith A. Herndon Fellowship Program at the West Virginia Legislature was established in her honor to provide internship opportunities for undergraduate students interested in learning about the legislative process. In 1984, she was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to public service.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/X2CeJ) (https://shorturl.at/58rHE) (https://shorturl.at/9H4Uz) (https://shorturl.at/ssAH7) (https://shorturl.at/sZEBW) (https://shorturl.at/nKtzG) (https://bit.ly/3X6vAAd) (https://rb.gy/q6yv3k)
Photo credits: Wheeling Hall of Fame, Wheeling Intelligencer, West Virginia State Archives
Judith A. Herndon (1941-1980) was a prominent attorney and public servant from Wheeling, West Virginia. Born on June 5, 1941, she attended local schools, including St. Michael's Grade School and Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy, before pursuing higher education at Mary Washington College, Duke University, and ultimately earning her Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1967.
Herndon began her legal career by joining her father, Richard G. Herndon, in his law practice in Wheeling. Her political journey started on June 2, 1970, when she was appointed to the West Virginia House of Delegates. She successfully ran for the House later that year and was re-elected in 1972. On July 3, 1974, Herndon was appointed to the State Senate, where she served until her untimely death in 1980 at the age of 39.
Throughout her decade-long legislative career, Herndon distinguished herself as a fiscal conservative and a passionate advocate for civil liberties. She was a leading figure in the Republican Party and a strong supporter of President Ronald Reagan. Herndon's legislative achievements included her efforts in tax reform, sunset legislation, sexual assault legislation, and curbing the power of bureaucratic government agencies.
Despite being the only female member of the West Virginia Senate at the time, Herndon never lost an election and was known for her courage, integrity, and compassion. Her untimely death due to cancer on November 19, 1980, at a Wheeling hospital, was a significant loss to the state and the legislative community. Senate President William T. Brotherton referred to her as "a legislative giant" and "one of the most outstanding legislators" he had ever served with.
Herndon's legacy continues to inspire future generations of public servants, and her dedication to the people of West Virginia remains an example of exemplary leadership. The Judith A. Herndon Fellowship Program at the West Virginia Legislature was established in her honor to provide internship opportunities for undergraduate students interested in learning about the legislative process. In 1984, she was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to public service.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/X2CeJ) (https://shorturl.at/58rHE) (https://shorturl.at/9H4Uz) (https://shorturl.at/ssAH7) (https://shorturl.at/sZEBW) (https://shorturl.at/nKtzG) (https://bit.ly/3X6vAAd) (https://rb.gy/q6yv3k)
Photo credits: Wheeling Hall of Fame, Wheeling Intelligencer, West Virginia State Archives
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