CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Treasurer John Perdue, the lone Democrat statewide officeholder, announced Monday that he’ll seek a seventh four-year term in office in 2020.
“I’m going to run for another term as treasurer,” Perdue said on MetroNews “Talkline,” a few minutes before he made the same announcement on the steps of the state capitol.
Perdue, 69, said a lot of state residents, his family and many others are encouraging him to seek another term. He said the thought of retirement did cross his mind but he concluded there’s no reason to do so.
“As we’ve grown the different programs you get close to people in the Treasurer’s Office, the family you’ve built together,” Perdue said. “I’m in good health. I feel good and just want to be able to take these programs to new heights.”
John Perdue, West Virginia State Treasurer, joins @HoppyKercheval to discuss his future political plans. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIAoe1 pic.twitter.com/SnsHngaKCV
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) July 8, 2019
Purdue’s announcement focused on programs he’s established like the SMART529 College Savings Program and the Unclaimed Property Fund.
Perdue, a native of Boone County, will likely face some opposition. Former House of Delegates member Riley Moore, a Republican from Jefferson County, has said he’s running.
Moore, the grandson of former Gov. Arch Moore, lost his reelection bid in the House last November. He issued a statement Monday following Perdue’s announcement.
“I welcome John Perdue to the race, and I anticipate a spirited discussion over the need for change in West Virginia. Our state deserves a State Treasurer’s office that is modern, efficient, and transparent. I look forward to sharing my message of Principles over Politics with every voter in the state,” Moore said.
Perdue said he appreciated the statement but the office is already up-to-date.
“This is a modern office. I modernized this office. I brought it into the 21st Century. I made it into what it is today,” Perdue said. “Something the people of the state can be proud of.”