KINGWOOD, W. Va. — The state Democratic Party is dropping its legal action against Republican candidate Melissa Lewis’ bid to represent House District 52 on the November ballot, citing legal issues facing Lewis.
“Based on outstanding warrants for her arrest due to issuing fraudulent checks, we’ve decided to let the criminal justice process run its course and drop our civil suit against Melissa Lewis,” Belinda Biafore, Vice Chair of West Virginia State Democratic Executive Committee said. “We would not have been able to delve into what would be needed for the civil suit while the criminal suit against Melissa Lewis is ongoing.”
A hearing was scheduled Tuesday in the civil case, but the attorney representing the committee Mark Gaydos instead filed the order and Preston County Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Miller Jr. dismissed the case.
Gaydos told the Dominion Post the order was based on discovery they received on Friday.
The committee maintains Lewis did not meet the criteria regarding her change in residence and party.
Republicans issued a statement following the dismissal of the civil case.
“We are proud today to stand with Melissa Lewis for the voters of northern Preston County to choose a Republican for the House of Delegates,” Conrad Lucas, West Virginia Republican Party Chair said.
Lewis’ opponent is Democrat incumbent Larry Williams.
Election Day is November 4.