Richard Thompson first arrived at the Legislature in 1980, when he was elected to the House of Delegates and served one term. He returned to the House in 2000, and was re-elected in 2002, 2004 and 2006.

He was born October 2, 1952 in Louisa, Kentucky, acquired a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and a law degree from West Virginia University College of Law. He lives in Lavalette, Wayne County, with his wife, Beth Chambers, and has four children.

Prior to being selected Speaker, Delegate Thompson served as vice chairman of the legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. He also served as Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney and chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board.