Cole to Make Announcement Tuesday on Governor's Race

Republican West Virginia Senate President Bill Cole will announce his intentions in the 2016 West Virginia governor’s race.

GOP consultant Kent Gates says Cole will make his announcement Tuesday.

The first event will be Tuesday morning at the auto dealer’s Nissan location in Mercer County. Additional events will follow at the Capitol in Charleston.

Cole would be the first Republican front runner to enter the race. Congressman David McKinley and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey are also considering bids.

On the Democratic side, billionaire businessman Jim Justice has kicked off a campaign. State Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler has also filed pre-candidacy papers to run for governor.

Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin cannot run again because he is reaching a limit of two consecutive terms.