Democrats Lose Three Seats in W.Va. Legislature

The results for the legislative positions are in: West Virginia’s Legislature is going to get slightly more Republican.

Retiring Democrat Robert Plymale left a seat in the Senate’s 5th District that Republican Scott Fuller won. His opponent, Del. Ric Griffith, D-Wayne, left his spot in the House’s 27th district to run for the Senate. Micheal Amos, a Republican won that seat in a three-way race. 

Republicans picked up their second flipped seat with House District 52. The seat is currently held by retiring Del. Larry Rowe, a Democrat. Republican Terasa Howell won that seat.  

Rowe leaves the Finance and Banking committees and Griffith leaves the Agriculture and Veterans Affairs committee without minority chairs.

However, Democrats may hold onto other seats in highly contested areas. 

Incumbent Democrat, Kayla Young’s election, was the tightest victory in the state in 2022. She won by 58 votes. Leadership from both the Democratic and Republican party said this race was the most contested in the state.

The Associated Press has not yet called Young’s race but estimates her with a 3.5 point lead.

Gov. Jim Justice appointed Hollis Lewis to represent the 57th district in 2023 after former House Minority Leader Doug Skaff stepped down. Lewis is Minority Chair of the House Jails and Prisons Committee. Attorney Mark Carter opposed Lewis in both candidates’ first general election.

The Associated Press has not yet called Lewis’ race but estimates him with a nearly 10 point lead.

The state finalizes election results at canvas on Nov. 12.