Russ Weeks

Russ Weeks (born May 12, 1942 ) is a former Republican State Senator from West Virginia the 9th Senatorial District. Weeks was elected in 2002, defeating Senate Judiciary Chairman Bill Wooton. Weeks had not served in public office prior to being elected. He was defeated in 2006. He was the Republican nominee for 2008 West Virginia gubernatorial election.

Born May 12, 1942 to Jeanette Weeks and Russ Weeks, Sr. in Beckley, West Virginia, he is a lifelong resident of the city. He has a sister, Pat W. George RN BSN, and a brother, Tom Weeks. He is married to the former Helen C. Peterson with whom he had two children, Sharon and Russ Weeks III. The couple has three grandchildren.

Weeks did not graduate from public schools, but he began working to help support his mother and siblings. He enlisted in the US military and served in Vietnam, commanding a boat in the Mekong Delta.

Returning to Beckley, he became a leader in the Right to Life organization. This advocacy spurred his interest in seeking public office. Weeks won the 2002 election.

Russ Weeks (R) 9,982 Bill Wooton (D) 9,340

His committees once included: Judiciary, Government Organization, Health and Human Resources, Military, Energy, Industry and Mining, and Agriculture.

Weeks was defeated for re-election in November 2006 by Democrat Mike Green.

In January 2008 it was learned that Weeks was planning to challenge incumbent Governor Joe Manchin in the 2008 election. Russ became the Republican nominee and lost the general election to Manchin.