Richard Neece Ojeda II, born on September 25, 1970, is an American politician, educator, and retired United States Army major who served as a State Senator representing West Virginia’s 7th district from 2016 to 2019.

Raised in Logan, West Virginia, he attended West Virginia State University and Webster University before embarking on a 25-year military career that included two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning him the rank of major and two Bronze Star Medals.

After retiring from the Army, he taught Junior ROTC before turning to politics. He first entered politics in 2014 and, building on local recognition, won the Democratic primary and general election for the State Senate in 2016, defeating incumbent Art Kirkendoll by almost 18 points.

Richard Ojeda quickly became known for outspoken advocacy including sponsoring the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act, which led to the legalization of medical marijuana, and his vocal support for teacher pay raises during the 2018 West Virginia teachers’ strike.

Richard Ojeda ran for West Virginia’s 3rd congressional district in 2018, energizing working-class and union voters, but was defeated in the general election by Republican Carol Miller.

Gaining national attention for his blunt style, populist rhetoric, and willingness to reach out to Trump supporters, he briefly pursued a candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President in the 2020 election but withdrew in January 2019 when it failed to gain momentum.

He also sought the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Shelley Moore Capito in 2020 but was unsuccessful in the primary. He later moved to North Carolina and in 2026 filed to run for Congress again.