FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — The race for West Virginia’s 50th Delegate District has shifted dramatically following former Delegate Elliott Pritt’s withdrawal from the November ballot. With Pritt officially removed, Republicans are barred from naming a replacement candidate, due to a 2024 state law preventing parties from filling vacancies created by withdrawal.
Pritt, who resigned his House seat on July 27 while facing federal charges, withdrew from the ballot three days before the State Election Commission was set to consider a request for his disqualification. Had he been disqualified instead of withdrawing, Republicans would have been permitted to appoint a new nominee.
Deputy Secretary of State David Cook said the office communicated with Pritt, who remains in federal custody, ahead of the commission meeting. Pritt ultimately chose to withdraw via the required form.
With the GOP unable to place a candidate on the ballot, the November race now features Democratic nominee Matthew Anderson and independent candidate Tom Louisos, a former Republican and past Fayette County Commissioner. Cook noted that while the independent filing deadline has passed, write‑in candidates may still enter the race until September 15 by submitting a certificate of announcement.
Ballots may list write‑in candidates directly or instruct voters to write in a name, with polling places posting an approved list.
Anderson, a longtime Fayette County special education teacher and small business owner, says he’s heard concerns about data centers, grocery costs, and clean drinking water while campaigning. He acknowledges the district’s Republican lean but says voters have been receptive during door‑knocking.
Louisos filed as an independent before the deadline, and Cook says additional Republican write‑ins could still emerge.
Meanwhile, Governor Patrick Morrisey is considering three Republican candidates — William Jennings Vest, Brent Alan Hudnall, and Eric Walton — to fill the remainder of Pritt’s unexpired term through the end of the year.
