Erik Wells

Erik Wells
Member of the West Virginia Senate from the 8th district
In office January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2014
Preceded by	Steve Harrison
Succeeded by	Ed Gaunch
Personal details
Born	February 5, 1967 Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Nationality	American
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Natalie Tennant
Children	Delaney
Residence	Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.
Alma mater	Saint Vincent College (B.A.) West Virginia University (M.A.)
Occupation	Journalist, Businessman
Religion	Roman Catholic

Erik Patrick Wells is an American politician^[1] and former television news anchor. Wells was born and raised in California, but moved to West Virginia in the early 1990s to further his career in journalism. Wells was a popular co-anchor in the state's capital, Charleston, while on a morning show called Good Morning, West Virginia with his wife Natalie Tennant on WCHS TV.

After leaving television news, Wells and his wife decided to pursue political careers. Wells was the Democratic nominee for West Virginia's Second Congressional District. Wells campaigned aggressively against incumbent Shelley Moore Capito, claiming that she was hypocritical in only agreeing to one debate when, in the 2000 Congressional Campaign, she had urged her opponent to debate in every county in the Congressional district. Despite a stronger than expected showing by Wells, Capito maintained her seat.

In 2006, Wells was elected to the West Virginia Senate, representing the 8th District. He defeated Dave Higgins in the Democratic Primary and Charleston lawyer and former WVU football letterman Mark Plants in the general election. Wells was defeated for re-election in 2014.

Wells is married to Natalie Tennant, the current Secretary of State of West Virginia. Erik and Natalie reside in Charleston and have one daughter, Delaney.

References

1. Breen, Tom (March 14, 2009). "State Senate passes discrimination bill » West Virginia". The Times West Virginian. Retrieved 4 July 2011.