CHARLES TOWN – Patrick Morrisey is running for governor.
West Virginia’s current Attorney General made the announcement April 4 in Jefferson County.
"Today, I come before you with a clear purpose and a conservative record that’s second to none," the Republican said during Tuesday’s announcement. "I am seeking the Republican nomination for Governor of West Virginia."
In November, Morrisey said he was "seriously evaluating" a gubernatorial run or a second campaign to oust Democrat Joe Manchin from his U.S. Senate seat.
Following the announcement, Morrisey is planning a statewide tour to speak with voters.
"I’m the only proven conservative in this race with a deep record of fighting and defeating the swamp and the political elites, successfully defending our West Virginia values, and accomplishing the big things West Virginians care about," Morrisey said. "As Governor, I’ll protect our jobs, fight to put more money in your pockets, advance educational excellence, supercharge economic and workforce growth, and defend families from the ravages of drugs and the woke, anti-freedom forces facing us."
Morrisey said whether battling against the swamps of DC or Charleston, he will have West Virginians' backs and will uphold shared conservative values.
“West Virginia is worth fighting for," Morrisey said.
Manchin has not announced whether he will run for re-election next year. U.S. Rep Alex Mooney already has said he will seek the GOP nomination for the Senate seat, and coal miner Chris Rose also has announced plans to run.
Gov. Jim Justice is rumored to be considering the seat as well as he can’t run for a third term as governor.
Other Republicans who already have announced plans to run for governor are House of Delegates member Moore Capito, state Auditor J.B. McCuskey, Huntington businessman Chris Miller, Secretary of State Mac Warner and preschool owner Rashida Yost. Former U.S. Rep. David McKinley also has expressed a possible interest in the job.
In 2018, Manchin defeated Morrisey by 3 percentage points for the U.S. Senate seat. Manchin is seen as a moderate Democrat who has been a swing vote on many key issues in the first two years of President Biden’s administration.
The biography on Morrisey’s campaign website says his office has had many firsts since he was elected in 2012 and touts his victories over federal overreach and his "leading voice among conservatives, West Virginians and Americans."
