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The head of the West Virginia Republican Party is stepping down at the end of this month to focus on a new role. It’s a move that leaves the party seeking a successor.
In a letter to the state GOP Executive Committee, Matt Herridge said his resignation as chairman of the party will be effective July 26, at the end of the party’s summer meeting in Morgantown – when his successor will be elected.
In January, shortly after Gov. Patrick Morrisey was inaugurated, he appointed Herridge to serve as the West Virginia Secretary of Commerce.
“When I accepted the role of WV Secretary of Commerce in January, I made a commitment to ensure continuity within the party and delay stepping aside until we could welcome a new executive director and begin steering the ship toward the midterm election,” Herridge wrote.
Ryan Jacinto has since been named executive director, Herridge said.
“Ours is now the most solidly Republican state in the nation, thanks in parts to a very successful 2024 cycle, including over a million dollars raised, increased supermajorities in both legislative chambers, full control of all Board of Public Works offices and congressional seats, and a striking 70% vote share for President Trump, who carried all 55 counties,” he wrote.
As of July 1, the Division of Economic Development – including the Offices of Energy, Broadband, Community Advancement & Development, and the Small Business Development Center – has been added to the Department of Commerce.
Herridge told the committee the time has now come to dedicate his full attention to “this critical mission.”