Carte Goodwin: A Career in Law and Public Service
Carte Goodwin has built a distinguished career spanning the legal profession and high-level government service in West Virginia and at the federal level. From his early days as a judicial clerk to his tenure in the United States Senate, Goodwin has navigated the intersection of law, policy, and governance.
Early Legal Career and State Service
After completing law school, Goodwin began his professional journey from 1999 to 2000 as a clerk for Judge Robert Bruce King of the 4th Circuit. He subsequently joined his family's practice, Goodwin & Goodwin, where he worked from 2000 to 2005, and later returned to the firm in 2009.
Goodwin's entry into public administration accelerated in 2004 when he worked on the successful gubernatorial campaign of Joe Manchin. Following Manchin's victory, Goodwin was appointed chairman of the West Virginia School Building Authority and later served as the governor's chief counsel from 2005 to 2009. In this capacity, he played a critical role in drafting security and rescue measures for mines following fatal accidents at the Sago and Aracoma Mines.
In June 2009, Goodwin was appointed by Governor Manchin to lead the Independent Commission on Judicial Reform, a body tasked with analyzing and proposing necessary changes to the West Virginia judicial system.
Tenure in the U.S. Senate
On July 16, 2010, Governor Manchin appointed Carte Goodwin to the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the passing of Senator Robert Byrd. Goodwin served as a temporary appointment until a special election could be held, explicitly stating he would not seek the seat for himself. Many observers viewed his appointment as a placeholder for Manchin, who eventually won the special election.
Despite his brief tenure, Goodwin made a notable political statement before being sworn in by announcing he would not support the Senate Democrats' cap-and-trade bill. Once in office on July 20, 2010, he collaborated with fellow Democrats to pass an extension of unemployment benefits, overcoming a previous Republican filibuster (a parliamentary procedure used to delay or block a vote). He also voted to confirm Elena Kagan as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Goodwin's term concluded on November 15, 2010. During his time in the Senate, he was assigned to several key committees, including the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on the Budget, and the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Post-Senate Career and Federal Appointments
Following his departure from the Senate, Goodwin joined the law firm Frost Brown Todd. He has served as the member-in-charge of the Charleston, West Virginia office and as the vice chair for the firm's national Appellate Practice Group, remaining a partner as of June 2023.
Beyond his private practice, Goodwin has maintained a significant role in international policy. In 2011, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid appointed him as a commissioner of the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. He served in this role through 2021 and was reappointed in 2023.
While there was speculation in 2014 that he might run to succeed Senator Jay Rockefeller, Goodwin declined to run, citing family concerns. Additionally, reports indicated that Judge Robert Bruce King had expressed a preference for Goodwin to replace him on the bench, though King eventually rescinded his plans to assume senior status.
Key Facts
- Senate Service: Served as a U.S. Senator from July 20, 2010, to November 15, 2010.
- Legal Expertise: Partner at Frost Brown Todd and former clerk for Judge Robert Bruce King.
- International Role: Commissioner for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (appointed 2011, 2021, and 2023).
- State Impact: Drafted mine rescue and security measures for West Virginia.
- Judicial Reform: Chaired the Independent Commission on Judicial Reform in West Virginia.
| Period | Role/Position | Organization/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1999–2000 | Clerk | 4th Circuit Judge Robert Bruce King |
| 2000–2005; 2009 | Attorney | Goodwin & Goodwin |
| 2005–2009 | Chief Counsel | Governor of West Virginia |
| 2010 | U.S. Senator | United States Senate (West Virginia) |
| 2011–Present | Commissioner | U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission |
| Post-Senate | Partner / Member-in-Charge | Frost Brown Todd |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Carte Goodwin appointed to the U.S. Senate?
He was appointed by Governor Joe Manchin to fill the seat vacated by the death of Senator Robert Byrd until a special election could be held to choose a permanent successor.
Did Carte Goodwin run for a full term in the Senate?
No, Goodwin stated from the beginning that he would not seek election to the seat in his own right and would leave office once a new senator was elected.
What was Goodwin's role in West Virginia mine safety?
As chief counsel to Governor Manchin, Goodwin assisted in drafting mine rescue and security measures following fatal accidents at the Sago and Aracoma Mines.
What is Goodwin's current professional status?
As of June 2023, he is a partner at the law firm Frost Brown Todd and serves as a commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
Which Senate committees did he serve on?
He served on the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on the Budget, and the Committee on Rules and Administration, along with various subcommittees related to employment, health, and strategic forces.