CHARLESTON – Kanawha Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey has filed pre-candidacy papers to seek re-election.
Bailey filed the paperwork November 28 with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office.
She has served as a circuit judge since 2002 and was elected to the position in 2004, 2008 and 2016. In 2008, 2013, 2017 and 2022, she served as the chief judge of Kanawha Circuit Court.
Jennifer Bailey
| courtswv.gov
“I am excited to announce that I am running for re-election,” Bailey said in a press release. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to serve the people of Kanawha County. I am proud of my service on the bench.
“I look forward to continuing to work hard for the people of Kanawha County.”
Bailey grew up in Belle and graduated in 1980 from West Virginia University College of Law. She has more than 40 years of experience as a lawyer and judge. In 2017, she was appointed to serve as the West Virginia chairwoman of the Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative.
In September, Ashley Deem announced plans to run for Bailey’s seat before Bailey had announced her plans. Deem currently is deputy clerk for the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals.
On Tuesday, Deem said her plan hasn’t changed.
“I assumed Jennifer Bailey would seek yet another term when I filed to run months ago,” Deem told The West Virginia Record. “Many said she would take her retirement after decades in office, having been appointed by a liberal Democrat governor more than 20 years ago.
“I am the only Republican running for this non-partisan seat. Kanawha County will get to choose between a new direction and the ways of yesteryear.
“I expected a resounding victory when I announced back in September and I still expect a resounding victory. Nothing has changed.”
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.