Well, it’s not every day you see a governor challenge himself and his state to shape up, but that’s exactly what West Virginia’s Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey is doing—with a big assist (and a few playful jabs) from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
This week, Morrisey signed the “Make America Healthy Again” bill into law, which takes a swing at several artificial food dyes linked to health issues. But the governor didn’t stop at legislative action—he’s stepping up, literally, by launching what he’s calling the “Mountaineer Mile,” a challenge to all West Virginians to walk at least one mile a day.
A few minutes ago, I completed my second installment of the Mountaineer Mile. Over 10,000 steps so far today! Let’s make West Virginia Healthy Again!
— Patrick Morrisey (@MorriseyWV) March 29, 2025
And he’s not exempting himself. In fact, Morrisey openly admitted he’s got some work to do. “I’m not pretending to be a fitness guru,” he said at the signing ceremony. “But I have asked Secretary Kennedy to be my personal trainer. He hasn’t said yes yet, but I think he’s sizing me up as a major renovation project.”
If that wasn’t candid enough, Kennedy—never one to hold back—quipped, “You look like you ate Gov. Morrisey,” drawing laughter from the crowd. But his message had serious intent. Kennedy praised the governor’s willingness to be part of the solution and pledged to get him on a “rigorous regimen” with a carnivore diet at its core.
Tonight, after our big event with HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., I finished my first installment of the Mountaineer mile— a new challenge for West Virginians to get out and walk at least a mile every day.
I know walking every day won’t be easy for everyone, including… pic.twitter.com/x849gu9RkJ
— Patrick Morrisey (@MorriseyWV) March 29, 2025
The two men are now the unlikely faces of a growing health initiative that combines dietary reform, physical activity, and state-level policy changes. And the message is spreading fast.
Morrisey shared his personal participation on social media, walking the first of his daily miles after a joint appearance with Kennedy. “I know walking every day won’t be easy for everyone, including myself,” he posted. “But it’s worth the effort.”
But perhaps the boldest move of all? West Virginia is preparing to ask the federal government for a waiver to remove junk food and soda from SNAP benefits. That’s a major shift with big implications. Kennedy called it “state leadership” and even suggested he’d invite every governor who follows suit to a White House celebration later this year.
NEW: RFK Jr. tells West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey that he needs to lose 30 pounds to his face, calls on Morrisey to do a "public weigh-in" every month.
The Health Secretary is now fat-shaming people in public. Amazing.
"I said, 'You look like you ate Governor Morrissey.'"… pic.twitter.com/knJwos0paR
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 28, 2025