CHARLESTON – Charleston attorney Mark A. Hunt is entering the race for West Virginia Attorney General.
Hunt, a former legislator, on Sept. 30 announced his candidacy. He is campaigning on the promise to be a watchdog for West Virginia citizens and small businesses.
“I have the heart and experience to reinvent the Office of Attorney General to make it a tough watchdog for the people of West Virginia,” Hunt said in a press statement.
Hunt, a Democrat, and former Charleston City Council member David Higgins, also a Democrat, have announced plans to try to unseat Republican incumbent Patrick Morrisey. However, Higgins hasn't said he's officially in the race.
On the campaign website www.VoteMarkHunt.com, Hunt describes himself as a “son of West Virginia” who will fight for people and small businesses.
“For 14 years, I have represented you in the state Legislature … fighting to improve education, protect the citizens of our state from crime and fraud, and standing up for our values," Hunt says in a video on the site. "Serving the people of West Virginia has been the greatest honor of my life … but another challenge remains. Today, I am announcing my candidacy for Attorney General of West Virginia.”
He adds, “I know the challenges you face. West Virginia struggles with crime, the illegal drug trade and the abuse of our citizens by unscrupulous drug and insurance companies. As Attorney General, I will be a tough watchdog on behalf of the families and small businesses of West Virginia.”
Born and raised in Kanawha County, Hunt is an attorney who served for 14 years in the state Legislature. The eldest of five children, Hunt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Charleston, a Master of Arts degree from Marshall University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the District of Columbia.
As a plaintiff's attorney, Hunt says he has been a fighter for families in West Virginia, those "who are injured by faulty products, in accidents or by the failure of big drug and insurance companies."
He also has served as counsel to the West Virginia State Auditor and staff attorney to the West Virginia Legislature.
Hunt is married to the former Tracy Conrad and is the father of three boys: Andrew (1998-1999), Mark (Jr.) and Jackie.
Shortly after their son Andrew died, the Hunts made international headlines when it was learned they had hired a French biochemist to work toward cloning Andrew. The cloning lab was set up in the old Nitro High School building, but the work ended six months later when the couple and the biochemist had a falling out. Also, the Food and Drug Administration began investigating the legality of the cloning lab.