Moore Capito Resigns From House Of Delegates

In an unusual departure from administration news, Del. Moore Capito, R-Kanawha, joined Gov. Jim Justice’s regular briefing Thursday to announce that he would be stepping aside from his elected position as delegate and chairman of the Judiciary Committee to focus on his campaign for governor.  

“I have informed the Speaker of the same, that I will step aside from my role in the House of Delegates so that I can focus my full attention on the people of West Virginia,” Capito said, referring to Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay.

Capito has endorsed Justice in his run for the U.S. Senate, but the governor says giving Capito this platform to campaign and make a resignation announcement is not an endorsement.

“We’ve got multiple candidates and everything,” Justice said. “I’ll make a decision as we go forward.”  

The regular session of the West Virginia Legislature begins Jan. 10. The vice chairman of the House Judiciary Committee has been Delegate Tom Fast, R-Fayette,

Capito is the son of U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and the grandson of the late Gov. Arch Moore. He announced his campaign for governor last year.

Capito was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2016. He was named  House Judiciary Committee Chairman in 2020. 

The 2024 West Virginia Legislature regular session begins Jan. 10. The House Judiciary Committee Vice-Chair is Del. Tom Fast, R-Fayette.

Justice said Capito came to him requesting this announcement platform Wednesday night. 

“He’s done a heck of a nice job and he’s a great young man and has an incredible family,” Justice said. “I have not given any thought on who’s going to replace his House seat.”