CHARLESTON – State Senate Majority Whip Ryan Weld has dropped out of the 2024 race for West Virginia Attorney General.
Weld (R-Brooke) made the announcement November 22.
Politics is a grind that sometimes requires candidates to compromise their core principles for political gain," Weld said in the statement. "I have seen too many people lose sight of who they are and what they are fighting for in these campaigns. And the one thing I know about myself is that compromising my principles and values for power, influence, and a title is just not who I am.
"That is why I have made the decision to seek re-election to the state Senate in 2024. As a member of the Senate, I can continue to fight for West Virginia and play a significant role in its future – without losing sight of who I am or why I got into public office in the first place."
Weld said campaigning is a lot of work, but he also said it isn't all bad. He said it helped him renew his love for the state and its people, but he said it also taught him a lot about himself.
"I have absolutely loved all of the parades, dinners, and untold number of conversations I have had with regular West Virginians along the way," he said. "This campaign has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But unfortunately, that’s not all a statewide campaign is about – and the never-ending asks for campaign contributions, as well as the constant deal-making can really wear on a person’s conscience."
Weld is an attorney with Spilman Thomas & Battle and is a former Brooke County assistant prosecutor. He served in Afghanistan as an Air Force intelligence officer. He has been in the state Senate since 2016 after serving one term in the House of Delegates. Weld received a 100 percent rating on The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce's most recent scorecard.
Current AG Patrick Morrisey, also a Republican, is running for governor in next year's election.
With Weld's exit, the AG race is down – for now – to state Senator and former U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart and fellow Republican state Auditor J.B. McCuskey.
Stuart agreed with Weld's sentiment that public service is "a tremendous sacrifice today."
"I commend Senator Weld for exploring a candidacy for the most important office on the ballot that affects West Virginia families today," Stuart said in a statement. "Although we have significant disagreements on policy and issues, I respect Senator Weld a great deal including his service in the military and in the West Virginia Legislature."
McCuskey praised Weld's "dedication to public service," calling him "a steadfast advocate for the people of our great state."
"I have the utmost respect for Senator Weld and his contributions to our state," McCuskey said in a statement. "His dedication to public service and tireless work on behalf of the people of West Virginia is commendable.
"Our state is better because of leaders like Senator Weld, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors."
On MetroNews' "Talkline" radio program to announce his switch Wednesday, Weld said he would endorse an AG canddiate "if a competent attorney" enters the race.
In a statement, West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Pushkin called Weld's admission "startling."
“We agree with Senator Weld that neither J.B. McCuskey nor Mike Stuart are competent to serve as West Virginia's next Attorney General, and we applaud him for having the courage to go on the record questioning the qualifications of the two Republican candidates remaining in the race,” Pushkin said. “It’s refreshing to see a Republican politician prioritize the qualifications and competency necessary for such a crucial role.
"This aligns with our longstanding commitment to ensuring that the highest legal office in our state is held by someone with the legal ability, integrity, and dedication to serve all West Virginians effectively. We're confident that the Democratic Party will be fielding just such a candidate in the very near future.”
