CHARLESTON – Ashley Deem is running for a seat on the Kanawha Circuit Court.
Deem, who currently is the deputy clerk for the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals, filed September 8 to run in the nonpartisan race for the seat currently occupied by Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey. Bailey’s plans are unknown, but she has yet to file papers to run for re-election.
“I decided to run for circuit court of Kanawha County because I think I have a unique skill set,” Deem told The West Virginia Record. “I’ve worked at the state Supreme Court, the appeals court as well as in private practice. Plus, I’m a lifelong Kanawha Countian.”
Deem said the time is right for her to make a run.
“Obviously, these circuit court races come up every eight years, and I think it’s time for a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective,” she said. “I really believe I can do a lot of good for Kanawha County.”
As a circuit judge, Deem said one goal of hers would be to improve efficiency of the court.
“Sometimes, the wheels of justice turn slowly or can seem to be slow, but it doesn’t have to be at a glacial pace,” she said. “I think I can help with that. For example, it is so important for orders to be entered in a timely manner. People now have a statutorily guaranteed right to appeal in this state, and such delays only prolong cases that much longer."
Deem is a sixth generation West Virginian and was born and raised in eastern Kanawha County. She graduated from West Virginia University and the University of Kentucky College of Law.
“I am excited about the opportunity to continue to serve my state as a circuit court judge,” she said. “I am running to help ensure fairness at this judicial level for the residents of Kanawha County.
“I am confident that my conservative values and depth of legal experience will serve me well in this new role.”
After she graduated from law school, Deem worked as a law clerk for state Supreme Court Chief Justice Beth Walker. Then, she entered private practice at the Charleston firm of Thomas Combs & Spann, primarily doing defense work and trial preparation for major cases before joining the ICA when it was created as deputy clerk.
“I am glad to have been part of the movement to more align our legal system with other states, which has improved the reputation of our court system,” Deem said.
She also has volunteered for several educational and non-profit groups, including serving as chairwoman of the Board of Governors of BridgeValley Community and Technical College, where she also currently serves as an adjunct professor of legal studies and sits on the foundation board.
Deem lives in South Charleston with fiancé Greg Thomas, two stepchildren and her dog.
All circuit court judge seats are on the 2024 primary election ballot. Because judicial races are non-partisan, they will decided in the May 14 primary election.
