by Misty Severi, Breaking News Reporter
February 28, 2023 06:07 PM
West Virginia State Auditor J.B. McCuskey announced his bid to become the state’s next governor on Tuesday, becoming the seventh Republican to enter the crowded primary.
McCuskey, who is in his second four-year term as the state’s auditor, is seeking to replace Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) as leader of the executive branch now that the governor has reached his two consecutive term limit. McCuskey has also served two terms in the House of Delegates.
“I’m a husband and father. I’m a proud conservative, lawyer, business owner & man of faith—but most importantly, I am one of you,” McCuskey tweeted. “I’m a mountaineer who understands real life in West Virginia. That’s why I’m proud to announce my candidacy to be the next governor of West Virginia.”
McCuskey claimed his financial experience in shaping state budgets and his work monitoring state spending as the auditor for the past eight years makes him qualified for leading the state, according to WOWKTV.
Although candidates cannot run for governor until January 2024, six other Republicans have filed paperwork with West Virginia’s secretary of state’s office to raise money for the gubernatorial race, including Secretary of State Mac Warner. West Virginia state Del. Moore Capito, the son of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), has also announced his bid.
No Democrats have announced their candidacy for the nomination, though Huntington Mayor Steve Williams said he is eyeing a possible bid.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to McCuskey’s campaign for comment.