Huntington Mayor Drops Bid for US House Seat

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.