Gov. Morrisey Announces Pritt’s Replacement In Legislature

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Tuesday the appointment of Republican William J. “Bill” Vest of Oak Hill to represent House District 50 in the West Virginia House of Delegates.  

“With his extensive background in law enforcement, state corrections administration, and community leadership, Bill understands the values of hard work and accountability,” Morrisey said. “He will be a strong, reliable voice for his constituents, and I am confident he will serve with distinction in Charleston.” 

Vest brings more than 40 years of public safety and administrative experience to the state legislature. He spent more than three decades serving within the West Virginia corrections system, ultimately retiring in 2022 as the Acting Administrator/Superintendent of the Beckley Correctional Center.  

Throughout his career, Vest held numerous leadership roles, including Deputy Warden and Associate Warden of Security at Mount Olive Correctional Complex, where he managed large-scale operations, fiscal budgets, and personnel. 

Prior to his administrative roles, Vest served as a correctional officer, a hospital security officer, and a Military Police officer in the U.S. Army, where he provided specialized personal security details. 

Vest will serve through the end of the year. The winner of the Nov. 3 general election will be sworn in to serve District 50 in January.  

Vest is filling the seat vacated by David Elliott Pritt, who resigned last month after his arrest on allegations of enticing a minor. Passed in 2018, House Bill 3004 requires that lawmakers removed from office be succeeded by someone from their party. The governor had up to 20 days from removal to choose from a list of candidates provided by the party executive committee of the delegate’s district.   

Pritt was federally indicted last week on three charges including sexual exploitation of a child and tampering with a witness. He appeared in court Monday where he pled not guilty to the charges in the indictment.   

Pritt’s trial is now set for the morning of Oct. 5, and Pritt will remain in federal custody.