CHARLESTON — As state Auditor J.B. McCuskey continues his campaign in the race for Attorney General, he brings a wealth of experience in public service, a proven ability to lead a statewide office and a clear vision for the future.
With eight years as state auditor under his belt, the Republican McCuskey said his leadership experience, commitment to small government and respect for the foundation laid by current Attorney General Patrick Morrissey make him uniquely qualified for the position.
McCuskey said that his transition to the Attorney General's office would follow a similar approach to how he navigated the Auditor’s Office eight years ago.
"When I got elected to the auditor's office at 34, I was fortunate to have the support of a staff that could have easily resisted my new direction," McCuskey said in an interview with The West Virginia Record.
He sees the current Attorney General's Office as well-run under Morrissey but acknowledges there will be room for personal and strategic differences, with the office’s staff playing a key role in that transition.
Though hesitant to outline specific changes before he begins the role, McCuskey stressed the importance of first understanding the internal processes of the office.
"I don't want to commit myself to any specific changes until I’ve got my feet underneath me," McCuskey said, noting that any changes would be guided by both his political vision and his confidence in the staff.
McCuskey spoke highly of Morrissey’s tenure as Attorney General, saying the office’s national reputation for high-caliber legal work and bipartisan problem-solving in areas such as consumer protection and federal overreach.
"Our Attorney General's office is one of the leading places in the country for first-class legal work," McCuskey said.
He said he looks forward to continuing that tradition of excellence while building on it with his own approach.
One of McCuskey’s strengths, he said, lies in his extensive public service experience and his understanding of state and local government processes.
McCuskey credits his time in the state Legislature — where he served both in the minority and majority — with shaping his ability to work across the aisle and really understand how government works.
McCuskey said his tenure as state auditor has also given him insight into how West Virginia’s various state agencies function, a perspective he believes will serve him well as attorney general.
McCuskey said Teresa Toriseva, his Democratic opponent, has a great reputation as a litigator in the state and said she's always been a wonderful and kind person, but they just share different political philosophies.
"We just view politics very, very differently," McCuskey said.
McCuskey's small government approach focuses on limiting government costs, protecting personal freedoms, and advocating for West Virginians through the lens of fiscal conservatism.
Looking ahead, McCuskey sees several major legal challenges facing West Virginia. He noted the critical role the Attorney General will play as general counsel for the governor, particularly with the state poised for transformation in areas like infrastructure, child welfare and education.
McCuskey said his experience in the Auditor’s Office, particularly in understanding the business processes of state agencies, will allow him to assist the governor in implementing reforms swiftly and legally.
McCuskey’s legal experience spans both public and private sectors, having worked at law firms before becoming state auditor.
This background, he said, gives him a unique perspective on how the legal system impacts both small businesses and large corporations in West Virginia.
"I'm really looking forward to being the zealous advocate for every single person in West Virginia," McCuskey said.
McCuskey said West Virginia stands on the edge of great potential, and his leadership as attorney general will focus on overcoming remaining hurdles, from federal overreach to education reform.
"I couldn’t be more excited to have the people of West Virginia as my client," McCuskey said. He noted he is eager to ensure that the state’s residents receive first-class legal representation.