Harlan Montgomery, affectionately known across the state as “Big H,” is the 36th Governor of West Virginia and a defining figure in the state’s modern political landscape. A businessman-turned-public servant, Harlan brings a signature blend of mountain pragmatism, deep-seated loyalty to his roots, and an unmistakable presence—usually accompanied by his ever-loyal English bulldog, Winston. Born and raised in Greenbrier County, Harlan comes from a family long established in coal and agriculture. He took over his family’s enterprises after earning a degree in Business Administration from a local college and grew them into one of the region’s most respected business operations. His early career focused on reviving struggling small-town economies, fostering job creation, and standing firm against outside interests looking to exploit West Virginia’s resources without reinvesting in its people. Elected on a platform of economic revitalization and local empowerment, Governor Montgomery has proven to be more than a traditional conservative. While he champions the coal miners, farmers, and tradespeople that shaped his worldview, he has also surprised critics by backing key investments in early childhood education, clean energy job transitions, and rural broadband expansion. His passionate floor speech defending universal Pre-K in neighboring Indiana garnered national attention and cemented his reputation as a governor willing to reach across the aisle when it comes to the future of working families. Montgomery governs with a distinct “front porch” style—approachable, direct, and driven by face-to-face conversations with constituents. He often hosts town halls in feed stores, VFW halls, and county fairs, carrying with him a clipboard, a warm handshake, and Winston by his side. Despite occasional pushback from both political extremes, Harlan remains one of the most popular governors in the state’s history, admired for his resilience, straight talk, and deep emotional connection to the land and people of West Virginia. As he frequently says: “This state raised me. I aim to raise it right back.”