Associated Press Published

GOP West Virginia Majority Leader to Seek Senate Presidency

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State Senate Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael says he will contend for the Senate presidency in 2017.

The Jackson County Republican told The Associated Press about his plans Tuesday.

Carmichael would vie to fill the opening left by Republican Senate President Bill Cole, who is running for governor in 2016 instead of seeking Senate re-election. Senators vote for their leadership team.

Carmichael is a sales director for Frontier Communications.

Senate Democrats will also need to pick another leader. Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor instead of running for his seat again.

Republicans hold an 18-16 majority over Democrats heading into the 2016 elections. Half of the Senate seats will be on the ballot next year.