CHARLESTON — Evan Jenkins might have resigned from the state Supreme Court, but don’t be surprised to see him on an election ballot sometime soon.
“I am not ruling that out,” Jenkins told host Hoppy Kercheval during a February 7 interview on MetroNews’ “Talkline” show. “Obviously, I seek opportunities to serve when the need is there, and I feel like I can contribute.”
Jenkins submitted his resignation from the Supreme Court on Friday to Gov. Jim Justice. Chief Justice John Hutchison has appointed Circuit Judge Alan Moats to fill in temporarily until the governor appoints Jenkins’ replacement.
“The court’s in a great position now,” Jenkins said. “We have achieved a lot these last four years. The court is repaired.
“The voters gave me that opportunity (Supreme Court), and I’m humbled and appreciative for it. But the question is, ‘How do I want to spend the next five to 10 years?’”
Jenkins previously served as a Republican congressman as well as in the state Senate and House of Delegates. Some have said he is considering a 2024 gubernatorial or U.S. Senate campaign. But he didn’t confirm that to Kercheval, and he said a possible campaign isn’t why he left the court. In his resignation letter, Jenkins said he was returning to private practice.
“There was no decision that motivated my exodus from the court,” he said on Talkline. “It’s really just to get back out and engage.
“I had achieved what I promised the voters back in 2018 to do and that is fix the court, reform it and get it heading back in the right direction.”
Jenkins was appointed to the court by Gov. Justice following the resignation of Justice Robin Jean Davis. He was elected in 2018 to that seat through 2024, and he served as chief justice last year.
Jenkins said he loved his time on the court, but he said it kept him from being more involved in other issues facing the state. He also said neither illness nor scandal is the reason for his resignation.
“You don’t want your judges and justices out working for economic development and solving problems and that’s my passion,” he told Kercheval. “It’s my drive. I’m looking forward to getting back out.”