RIPLEY, W.Va. — Jackson County Circuit Judge Lora Dyer says she’ll be a candidate for state Supreme Court in 2020.
Dyer, who is on the bench in the state’s 5th Judicial Circuit covering Jackson, Mason, Roane and Calhoun counties, announced her intentions Wednesday on MetroNews “Talkline.”
“I think West Virginians deserve an experienced, hard-working and fair justice to fill that void left by Justice (Allen) Loughry (controversy),” Dyer said. “I have all of those qualities and more. I’m really passionate and caring about my state and the children of this state.”
Dyer said she’ll run for the seat currently held by Justice John Hutchison. It’s the unexpired four-year term left after the Loughry resignation. Hutchison, who was appointed by Gov. Jim Justice last year, is also expected to seek the seat.
Dyer admitted Wednesday with the non-partisan election set for next May, there won’t be much time to campaign.
“It’s going to involve a lot more media presence….pocketing these places in the time I have available to get my message out to voters,” Dyer said.
Lora Dyer, WV Circuit Judge, talks with @HoppyKercheval about running for the WV Supreme Court. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIAoe1 pic.twitter.com/qDpbjbkqKS
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) November 6, 2019
Dyer is a native of southern West Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree from Marshall University and graduated from the WVU College of Law. She worked at the state Supreme Court for the late-Justice Joe Albright. She also clerked for the late-Kanawha County Circuit Judge Jim Stucky. Dyer spent several years as a corporate defense attorney. She also served time as General Counsel in the state Auditor’s office. She was elected circuit judge in May 2016.
Dyer said she doesn’t believe in legislating from the bench.
“The judiciary’s role is not to write the law. We have an entire building full of people that have been elected. It’s their job to do that. I apply the law,” Dyer said.
Dyer is married and has a 7-year-old son.