Erik Wells

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Erik Wells is an American politician and former television news anchor. Wells was born and raised in California but moved to West Virginia in the early 1990s to further his career in journalism. Wells was a popular co-anchor in the state's capital, Charleston, while on a morning show called Good Morning, West Virginia with his wife Natalie Tennant on WCHS TV.

After leaving television news, Wells and his wife decided to pursue political careers. Wells was the Democratic nominee for West Virginia's Second Congressional District. Wells campaigned aggressively against incumbent Shelley Moore Capito, claiming that she was hypocritical in only agreeing to one debate when, in the 2000 Congressional Campaign, she had urged her opponent to debate in every county in the Congressional district. Despite a stronger than expected showing by Wells, Capito maintained her seat.

In 2006, Wells was elected to the WV State Senate, representing the 8th District. He defeated Dave Higgins in the Democratic Primary and Charleston lawyer and former WVU football letterman Mark Plants in the general election.

Erik is married to Natalie Tennant. In 2004 Natalie came a close second to Ken Hechler to become the Democratic Nominee for Secretary of State. Erik & Natalie reside in Charleston and have one daughter, Delaney.

UPDATE: Natalie Tennant has won the 2008 Democratic Primary for West Virginia Secretary of State. She defeated House Majority Leader Joe Delong and Senate Majority Whip Billy Wayne Bailey. She will face Charleston businessman Charles Minimah in the General Election.