Ritchie Co. Delegate Resigning to Take Lobbying Job with Dominion Energy

West Virginia Del. Jason Harshbarger has submitted a letter of resignation from the House’s 7th District. The two-term lawmaker is leaving to take a new role with Dominion Energy.

Harshbarger, a Republican from Ritchie County, was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2016 and has worked for Dominion Energy for 14 years. 

In his role as a delegate, he currently serves as chair of the Natural Resources Committee and is also a member of the Energy, Industry and Labor and Judiciary committees.

According to a letter delivered Wednesday to the House Clerk, Harshbarger’s resignation from the House will be effective August 30.

A spokeswoman with Dominion Energy says Harshbarger will become the new state policy director for the company in September. She says he will not lobby the Legislature for a year following his House resignation.  

State law calls for a one-year window between holding office in the Legislature and registering as a lobbyist. 

The House’s 7th District includes Ritchie County and a portion of Pleasants County.

A local Republican executive committee has 15 days from the days of the vacancy to submit a list of three possible replacements to Gov. Jim Justice. Upon receiving that list, the governor has five days to make an appointment.