KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. –Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango will continue in the role in 2026 after being selected by fellow commissioners.
Commission President Ben Salango
Commissioners Lance Wheeler and Natalie Tennant voted to approve the decision Thursday afternoon during their meeting.
Salango was first selected for the position in January 2025.
Wheeler said Salango led the commission through budget increases for the regional jail bill and the Public Employees Insurance Agency while still funding those costs and helped save $5.5 million through a rebid of construction for the Kanawha County Judicial Annex Building. The project includes adding magistrates and judges on the fifth floor, along with additional staff and courtrooms.
“I think your leadership has shown with the staff, I’ve seen it with Commissioner Tennant and myself,” Wheeler said. “What you’re able to accomplish and the trust that I believe Commissioner Tennant and I have in you as a commission president.”
Salango said he is grateful for the commissioners’ trust in allowing him to continue in the role.
“I appreciate your all’s faith in me and hopefully we can have another good year,” he said.
Wheeler was also selected to serve as president pro tempore for 2026.
Salango said the role would allow Wheeler to preside in his absence.
“If I can’t make a meeting or if I am unable to participate for whatever reason, whether that is health wise or otherwise, the commission pro temp will run the meeting,” he said.