CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State House of Delegates member Suzette Raines (R-35, Kanawha) plans to stay in the House.
On Tuesday, Raines announced she would not be running for the Republican nomination in the Second Congressional District next year. She said she made the decision after conversations with family members and close friends.
“While I understand the necessity for strong representation in D.C., my place is at home continuing to represent West Virginia’s 35th House District and caring for my mother as she battles a serious illness,” said Raines in a statement.
“I look forward to continuing my term in the House of Delegates and serving the people of Kanawha County.”
Raines is in her first term in the state House of Delegates. Back in May, she had announced plans to run for a seat in the 17th state Senatorial District, representing Kanawha County, in 2014.
The Republicans who already have filed pre-candidacy papers in the Second District include former House member Larry Faircloth from Martinsburg, former Maryland GOP Chair Alex Mooney from Falling Waters, Jim Moss from Hurricane, Kenneth Reed from Berkeley Springs and Robert Lawrence Fluharty from Charles Town.
Republican Charlotte Lane, a past member of the International Trade Commission, and Republican Ron Walters, Junior have also launched their campaigns.
On the Democratic side, Nick Casey, a former state Democratic Party Chair, Meshea Poore, a Kanawha County delegate, and Steven Alex Gower from Weston are running.
Republican Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, who currently represents the Second District, is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate next year.