Charleston, W.Va. — A Kanawha County delegate says he will be running for the state Senate next year.
“Serving the people of the Kanawha Valley is what I enjoy, working with the city councils and the mayors throughout the region, as well as the constituents,” said Delegate Doug Skaff (D-35) as he made his Senate campaign announcement on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
“That’s what I enjoy, putting projects together to help the people our region.”
Earlier this week, Kanawha County Senator Brooks McCabe announced he would not be seeking another term in the Senate. The Democrat has represented the 17th Senatorial District for four terms.
Even before McCabe made his decision, Kanawha County Delegate Suzette Raines, a Republican, announced her plans to run for his Senate seat.
Skaff says he’s getting into, what should be, a good race. “I have the most respect for Suzette Raines. She’s been a great comrade here in the House of Delegates with me. We’ve worked on numerous projects together,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see how things unfold, as well as how the Speaker race unfolds and who else might put their name on the ballot for Senator McCabe’s spot.”
Skaff was first elected to the House in 2008.
His name had been on the short list of possible replacements for outgoing House Speaker Rick Thompson. He has since thrown his support behind House Finance Committee Chair Harry Keith White from Mingo County.
Skaff said Thursday he will be running for the Senate next year, no matter what happens in the Speaker’s race on the House side.