Richard "Rick" Thompson (born October 2, 1952) is a former Democratic member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 17th District since 2000. He served as Speaker of the House from January 2007 to June 2013. He earlier served as a Delegate from 1981 through 1983. He unsuccessfully ran for Governor of West Virginia in 2011, coming in second place behind acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Thompson resigned from the House of Delegates in June 2013 after being appointed by Tomblin to serve as West Virginia Secretary of Veterans Assistance. Resigned as Assistant Secretary of Veteran Affairs to Run for Wayne County Sheriff. Currently serving as Sherriff of Wayne County.