Elections, Government, Latest News, State Government

Republicans sweep elected executive positions

Republican challenger Riley Moore won the race for state treasurer against six-term incumbent John Perdue, according to MetroNews projections.

That makes a clean sweep for Republicans in the Board of Public Works, representing the elected positions in West Virginia’s executive branch.

Perdue, who first took that office in 1997, is the only Democrat in West Virginia’s Board of Public Works.

He was running against  Moore, a former state delegate who is grandson of former state Gov. Arch Moore and nephew of Shelley Moore Capito.

Moore is a Jefferson County resident. With 79% of precincts reporting, Moore was up by 69,089 votes.

“I’ve got to figure out how I’m going to move down to Charleston now,” Moore said, adding that he’ll get a transition team in place.

“A Republican hasn’t won this seat in 92 years. I certainly thank Treasurer Perdue for his long service to this state.” 

Attorney general

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, defeated Democratic challenger Sam Petsonk. Morrisey heads into his third term in office.

The Republican Attorneys General Association issued a statement congratulating Morrisey on his victory.

“For years, Attorney General Morrisey has been a champion for the rule of law and a fierce defender of West Virginia’s values,” stated Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, chairman of the association.

Auditor

Incumbent Auditor J.B. McCuskey, also a Republican, was up against Democrat Mary Ann Claytor. Claytor ran against McCuskey in 2016.

Shortly before 9 p.m., after opening up a big lead against Claytor, McCuskey praised her for running a good campaign and declared victory.

“We’re all just on Cloud 9 here,” McCuskey said, while describing more work that his office has to do, including increasing transparency for government.

“We have four more years to accomplish what we want to do,” McCuskey said.

Secretary of state

Incumbent Secretary of State Mac Warner, another Republican, defeated Democratic challenger Natalie Tennant, who previously held that office.

The secretary of state is West Virginia’s chief elections officer.

“It has been my distinct privilege to lead our state through this election process, and I stand here tonight honored to have been reelected as West Virginia’s secretary of state,” Warner stated. “The people’s trust in me, and in the team I have assembled, is humbling.” 

Ag commissioner

And incumbent Agriculture Secretary Kent Leonhardt, a Republican, was projected to win against Democrat Bob Beach, a state senator.

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