History of the State Seal
The seal contains the Latin motto Montani Semper Liberi, which means Mountaineers Are Always Free.
A farmer stands to the right and a miner to the left of a large ivy-draped stone bearing the date of the state's admission to the union, June 20, 1863. The stone in the center of the seal also stands for strength.
In front of the stone are two hunters' rifles upon which rests a Phrygian cap, or "cap of liberty."
About Secretary Warner
On November 5, 2024, Kris Warner was elected to become West Virginia's 31st Secretary of State.
An entrepreneur and successful real estate developer for more than 30 years, Secretary Warner's expertise was called upon in 2017 when he was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the West Virginia State Director for USDA Rural Development.
In that capacity, Kris led the USDA in partnering with state and local governments with investments that exceeded $1.2 billion in just four years — an incredible investment for a state the size of West Virginia.
Jennings Randolph Award
Jennings Randolph is the father of the 26th Amendment and the late U.S. Senator from Harrison County, WV.
Senator Randolph epitomizes what it means to never give up. He introduced a bill eleven times to lower the required age to register to vote from 21 to 18. Imagine failing not once or twice, but ten times before reaching your goal!
