David Felinton

Biography

David Abraham Felinton, born in January 1975 in Pikesville, Maryland, is an American civic leader best known for serving as the mayor of Huntington, West Virginia. A political science graduate of Marshall University, Felinton was elected mayor at just 25 years old, making him one of the youngest mayors in the city's history. He served two terms from 2000 to 2008, during which he focused on revitalizing downtown Huntington and embracing digital modernization. During his tenure, Felinton launched the city's first official website and supported the development of Pullman Square, a key downtown redevelopment project. He was also known for his bold gestures, such as approving the painting of the 12th Street Bridge pink to raise awareness for breast cancer, even in the face of city council objections. In 2008, he rejected a proposed mayoral pay raise, choosing instead to allocate those funds toward city needs. Felinton served as president of the West Virginia Municipal League for the 2008–2009 term and briefly filed to run for the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2010 before withdrawing. After leaving office, he worked with WorkForce West Virginia in Wayne County as a Regional Innovation Grant Coordinator and Interviewer. He is married to Bethany Cooper Felinton, and together they have three children: Charles, Elizabeth, and Samuel. Felinton also made cameo appearances in local film productions, including We Are Marshall and J.R. Clifford and the Carrie Williams Case. His time as mayor is remembered for its emphasis on modernization, civic engagement, and a willingness to take bold, symbolic actions in support of the community.