[6] Since West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, during the American Civil War, 35 men have served as governor [needs update].

Before the state's admission, Francis Harrison Pierpont, the "Father of West Virginia,"[7] was elected governor during the Wheeling Convention of 1861.

Farnsworth was senate president at the time; he filled the last seven days of Boreman's term and remains the shortest-serving governor.

[8] Under the current Constitution of West Virginia, ratified in 1872, the governor serves a four-year term commencing on the third Wednesday in January, following an election.

[10] The constitution makes no mention of a lieutenant governor; if the governorship becomes vacant, the senate president stands first in the line of succession.