Huntington Mayor Steve Williams says he’s ending his run for the U.S. House in West Virginia’s 3rd District.
Williams tells the Huntington Herald-Dispatch there are problems in the city that need his attention, including a drug epidemic and growing violence.
The Democrat is in his second mayoral term.
The House seat is being vacated by two-term Republican Congressman Evan Jenkins, who seeks the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Joe Manchin.
Announced Republican candidates include former West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Conrad Lucas; state delegates Marty Gearheart, Rupie Phillips and Carol Miller; former delegate Rick Snuffer; Dr. Ayne Amjad; and Charles “Chad” Shaffer of Kenova.
Announced Democrats include state Sen. Richard Ojeda, Delegate Shirley Love and Paul Davis, CEO of the Tri-State Transit Authority; and Edwin Ray Vanover of Bluefield.